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Australia promotion for Paddon
New Zealand's Hayden Paddon will take Dani Sordo's place in Hyundai's top factory team at Coates Hire Rally Australia [10 - 13 September], as the manufacturer bids to wrestle second place in the championship from Citroën.
Paddon, who normally drives for the second-tier Hyundai Motorsport N squad, will be promoted to the position of Thierry Neuville's team-mate, while Sordo will drive Paddon's usual #20 car.
With five rounds of the season remaining, Hyundai is in a close battle for second place in the FIA Manufacturers' Championship, and currently trails Citroën by just two points. Australia is the closest Paddon gets to a home round of the WRC, and Hyundai believe his experience of the event and his recent strong run of form on gravel offer them the best chance of closing the gap.
Team Principal Michel Nandan said: “After careful consideration we have agreed that adapting momentarily our line-up offers us the best chance to secure the points we need on this unique and challenging event. Hayden is very familiar with the rally and after his recent strong performances on gravel he is more than capable of supporting us in this battle.
"Dani did not compete in Australia in the last few years – and he never took part in the Coffs Harbour based event - so he has less experience of the particular demands of this rally. Meanwhile he still takes this opportunity with the #20 to get to know the stages and build his experience. He will be back in the #8 car at the Tour de Corse.”
Paddon said: “I’m very pleased that the team has faith in me but at the end of the day it is just a car number change for me. I will have the same approach to the rally as always but this time I will be happy to challenge for points that can help the team in the manufacturer standings.”
