WRC: Hyundai and Hayden Paddon signed a new three-year contract

Hyundai Motorsport and Hayden Paddon signed a new three-year contract which will keep the New Zealander in Korean-German WRC team until 2018. Paddon and his co-driver John Kennard will contest all rounds of 2016 World Rally Championship in Hyundai i20 WRC, alongside old teammates Thierry Neuville and Dani Sordo.

Paddon joined Hyundai in 2014 for a a six-rally campaign. At ten events so far, he scored one podium (2nd at Sardegna) and five Top 5 results. He will also drive at Rally Catalunya this weekend and will collect points for A-team at Wales Rally GB.

Hyundai team principal Michel Nandan said: “I am delighted that we have been able to extend our partnership with Hayden for a further three years and to have him compete in all rounds of the WRC with us. Since he joined the team early last year, he has proven to be a worthy addition to our young team. He is consistent, quick and determined and with even more potential for growth. From the start of our WRC programme, we have wanted to support fresh, young talent and Hayden has shown just how successful this can be. I am personally looking forward to see what he can deliver over the next three years with Hyundai Motorsport.”

Paddon added: “The past two seasons have been an amazing journey and we have grown a lot. The team has helped me to develop and based on the rate that we have progressed together I have no doubt we will be winning soon. We are all working and striving towards becoming World Champions and I firmly believe Hyundai Motorsport will offer me the best opportunity to achieve that goal. First and foremost, though, we must target our first rally victory and that is my personal target for 2016.”