WRC
Hayden Paddon’s first impressions of the Hyundai i20 N Rally1
Preparations for Hayden Paddon’s return to top-level competition in the WRC stepped up a notch after he logged his first kilometres behind the wheel of the Hyundai i20 N Rally1.
The two-time FIA European Rally Champion is set to make his top-flight WRC comeback this season after securing a drive sharing Hyundai Motorsport’s third i20 N with Dani Sordo and Esapekka Lappi, with his first outing coming at Rallye Monte-Carlo next week.
Hyundai’s decision to re-sign Paddon comes eight years after the New Zealander and 2016 Rally Argentina winner last competed as a factory driver for the Korean brand. In the time between stints, much has changed - most notably the top-level machinery following the introduction of Rally1 regulations in 2022.
While Paddon is well-versed in driving Hyundai’s i20 N Rally2 car, a brief outing during Hyundai’s media day last weekend, held in tricky snow and ice conditions in the south of France, marked the Kiwi’s first taste of the Rally1 car.
“It was good to get a small taste of the car, but it was very tricky in icy conditions - it wasn’t exactly confidence-inspiring to begin with,” said Paddon.
The Kiwi had not driven a Hyundai's i20 N Rally1 before last week
© Hyundai
“It wasn’t really fair conditions to judge things on, but the initial feeling is that this car is very different to the cars we’ve been driving in recent years and there is certainly going to be a lot to adapt to.
“It’s everything really. It’s not just about the power - it’s the aero and how the car works with the chassis and the driveline. Even the seating position is very unique. I’m sure after a couple of days in the car this week it’s all stuff that will come naturally with a bit of time.
“I expected a big challenge and a big change. I was just surprised by how tricky the conditions were. It was like jumping in at the deep end and trying to learn how to swim in a car you haven’t even driven before, and we went straight onto full ice - probably the most difficult conditions we can experience on a rally.”
Asked whether it felt like a relief to drive a top-level factory WRC car again after eight years away, he added: “There were probably more nerves than relief. It’s been such a whirlwind with how quickly everything has happened since the start of December - it’s literally been four weeks.
“There hasn’t been much time to think or adjust. It’s just a case of wanting to get started. I’m obviously very excited about the opportunity, but also very nervous. I don’t want to let people down - there are a lot of people putting faith in what we can do to help the team push forward, and I want to justify that and make sure we do a good job.”
Paddon has been back behind the wheel this week with test days today and tomorrow at Hyundai’s new test base in France as he builds confidence and familiarity with the car ahead of the Monte Carlo curtain-raiser.
“It won’t be Monte conditions as it’s at our test base, but that’s irrelevant anyway,” he added. “I just need some normal miles in the car to extract the most from it and see what it’s capable of. Then, once you get to Monte and the tricky conditions, you can dial it back. It’s a good way to go testing and try out the facilities.”
Paddon's last top-flight outing was in 2018
© Hyundai
Paddon was among the drivers Hyundai enlisted when the brand returned to the WRC in 2014, spending five seasons with the team. However, the 38-year-old says this second opportunity feels more like a fresh start than a welcome back.
“There are a lot of new faces, but there are also people who have been here since day one, so it’s really nice to catch up with old friends,” he said. “It feels more like a new start than a return just because so many things are different compared to eight years ago. Everyone has been super welcoming and helpful so far, which has really helped with the nerves and made me feel more at home again.”
Looking ahead to next week’s opening round in Monte Carlo, Paddon says his objective is clear.
“The target is quite simple, which is to finish - and that’s easier said than done. I’m realistic: Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux will be fighting at the front and our role is to provide back-up, so if something happens the team still scores points. It’s a different approach compared to eight years ago. I’m very competitive, but I also know my place.”
