Hayden Paddon looks for gravel rally opportunity with Hyundai
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 5, 2026, 8:01 AM
Last updated Jun 5, 2026
Hayden Paddon aims for more WRC action with Hyundai, expressing interest in gravel events following his Rally Japan performance. Paddon, who made his WRC return this year after an eight-year hiatus, previously secured Hyundai's best asphalt result of the season. He is hopeful for a chance to compete in South America, where he achieved his sole WRC victory. Hyundai's seat lineup for upcoming gravel events remains unconfirmed, with Dani Sordo and Esapekka Lappi expected to participate in future rounds.
- •Paddon finished seventh at Rally Japan and aims for more gravel races.
- •He previously won in Argentina for Hyundai in 2016.
- •Upcoming gravel rounds in Greece and other locations are yet to be confirmed.
- •Paddon cites improvement and good results during asphalt events.
- •Hyundai has planned to field Sordo and Lappi for upcoming rallies.
- 8:01 AMMotorsport.com — Hayden Paddon eyes WRC gravel opportunity with Hyundai: “We’ve done everything that was asked”
- 8:01 AMYahoo Sports — Hayden Paddon eyes WRC gravel opportunity with Hyundai: “We’ve done everything that was asked”
"Hayden Paddon remains hopeful Rally Japan won’t be his last Rally1 outing with Hyundai with the New Zealander eager for an opportunity on gravel. The one-time WRC rally winner and two-time European Rally champion rejoined rallying’s top tier for the first time since 2018 to share Hyundai’s third factory entry alongside Dani Sordo and Esapekka Lappi. Hyundai initially agreed a deal with ...Keep reading
"The New Zealander impressed on his World Rally Championship return after eight years away and now wants a shot on gravel
Sources
External links- Motorsport.comJun 5, 2026, 8:01 AMHayden Paddon eyes WRC gravel opportunity with Hyundai: “We’ve done everything that was asked”
Hayden Paddon remains hopeful Rally Japan won’t be his last Rally1 outing with Hyundai with the New Zealander eager for an opportunity on gravel. The one-time WRC rally winner and two-time European Rally champion rejoined rallying’s top tier for the first time since 2018 to share Hyundai’s third factory entry alongside Dani Sordo and Esapekka Lappi. Hyundai initially agreed a deal with ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsJun 5, 2026, 8:01 AMHayden Paddon eyes WRC gravel opportunity with Hyundai: “We’ve done everything that was asked”
The New Zealander impressed on his World Rally Championship return after eight years away and now wants a shot on gravel
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