Paddon eyes ‘special’ return

Hayden Paddon will return to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) for the first time since 2018 this week when he and co-driver John Kennard tackle the Rallye Monte-Carlo for the Hyundai World Rally Team.

The event, which takes place from January 22-25, kicks off a new season and is famous for its mix of dry asphalt, snow, ice and rapidly changing grip levels.

Since his last WRC appearance, Paddon has tasted success on a number of continents, including back-to-back European Rally Championships and being crowned the 2025 Australian Rally Champion.

“To be back at a WRC event and to do it at Monte Carlo is incredibly special,” says Paddon, pictured.

“This rally is one of the ultimate tests in motorsport. The conditions, the tyre choices and the level of competition push you to the limit, and that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding.”

Paddon had a full day of pre-event testing to familiarise himself with the demands of WRC vehicles and Monte Carlo’s conditions.

“Monte Carlo is all about confidence, precision and understanding the grip changes,” he explains. 

“We worked through a lot of set-up options and tyre behaviour and it was valuable just to build familiarity again and feel comfortable in the car ahead of the rally.”

His WRC career features multiple podium finishes and he remains the only New Zealand driver to win a round of the WRC after victory at 2016 Rally Argentina.

Hyundai New Zealand is supporting Paddon’s return to the WRC and Leighton Agnew, general manager sales, says it is a huge moment for New Zealand motorsport.

“Monte Carlo is one of the most demanding rallies in the world, and Hayden has proven time and again that he has the skill, experience and mindset to compete at this level. We’re incredibly proud to support him as he takes on this iconic event.”

Hyundai NZ says it be sharing updates on its social media platforms throughout the event.