Rally news
Ousted Kiwi gets last-minute call up for M-sport outing at next event
Hayden Paddon’s last-minute
Rally Finland entry has added an extra twist to what’s going to be one of the most eagerly anticipated World Rally Championship rounds in years.
The New Zealander sealed a deal to drive M-sport’s third Ford Fiesta WRC just before entries closed for the August 1-4 event. Paddon joins M-sport Ford WRT drivers Elfyn Evans and Teemu Suninen for the event, his
10th start in Jyvaskyla.
Ditched by Hyundai in favour of Sebastien Loeb at the end of last season, Paddon had pinned his hopes of a WRC return on driving the South Korean make’s third i20 Coupe WRC next month. Hyundai’s decision to sign Craig Breen instead galvanised Paddon.
“I wasn’t going to sit in a corner and cry about it,” Paddon told MN. “I talked to a few people and first on the list was Hyundai New Zealand, they’ve been such a loyal and strong partner, I wanted them to know what I was thinking (see sidebar).
“I had to fly back to Europe for the first round of the Titans RX series and just before I got on the plane ride north I sent out a few emails. By the time I landed into France, there had been some dialogue and we were well on the way to a deal.
“The support from my partners, my supporters and Hyundai New Zealand has been so humbling. As well as that, I have to say how great Rich [Millener, team principal] and everybody at M-sport has been in stretching their legs to make this one happen.”
Paddon has fond memories of the British team, having driven one of the Cumbrian-run Fiesta RS WRCS in Spain in 2013.
“That was my first time ever in a
World Rally Car,” he said. “That’s not something I’m ever going to forget.
Like John [Kennard, co-driver] said, we’ve come full circle and we’re back to where we started the story.
“Working with M-sport’s great – those guys have been really straightforward and they’ve done all they can to help.”
Paddon will test the Fiesta WRC for a day ahead of Rally Finland, but he’s confident he’ll be able to get comfortable with the car Sebastien Ogier used to clinch the last two drivers’ titles.
“I’m driving different cars all the time,” said Paddon. “Yes, each car will have its differences, but they’re all built to the same rules and regulations. It doesn’t matter what it is, I’ll get in it and drive it. Within three or four corners, I’ll have an idea of where we are – but we all know what M-sport’s about and what it’s achieved with the Fiesta in the last couple of seasons.”
Asked if his first target in Finland would be Breen, Paddon replied: “I’m going to Finland for myself. I’m not worried about anybody else. I drive for M-sport and I’m going there to chase a minimum of fifth place. I love Finland, I’ve got good experience and I’ve gone well there in the past. Having a Finn for a team-mate’s a good benchmark, but let’s be honest Elfyn’s had a podium there as well, so they’re both going to be strong and that’s good for me.
“The fire’s burning brighter than ever right now. I’ve got to be honest, when it looked like we were heading for a part-programme with Hyundai this year, maybe I didn’t stretch myself as much as I should have in the second half of last season. I wouldn’t say I got complacent, but I’ve never felt more determined, more hungry – or in such great shape – as I do right now. I believe I’ve got plenty left to give the World
Rally Championship and that’s why we’re in Finland – to show what we can do moving forward. A 2020 seat is the target.”
Paddon didn’t rule out further 2019 outings and he’s likely to have one eye on the season finale in Coffs Harbour, with Rally Australia running just across the Tasman from his New Zealand home.
Millener said he was delighted to welcome Paddon back to M-sport, but he wanted the Kiwi to start the rally with his head clear.
“We’ve told him, he just needs to turn up, relax and drive the rally,” Millener told MN. “We’ll take care of the rest.
It’s fantastic to have him with us, he gives this team and the service park an extra edge in Finland.
“At the same time, we’re closing down Citroen for third place in the makes’ race and any chance we get to field a third car – especially with somebody of Hayden’s calibre and ability – we’re going to take it. If he relaxes and enjoys it, then he can go and prove to Hyundai that, in his eyes, they made the wrong choice.”