History Driver 2010s

Hayden Paddon

Overview

Hayden Paddon converted national and production-class success into a Hyundai works drive and a landmark victory for New Zealand.

Paddon's last Hyundai factory start of the decade was Rally Australia in 2018, where he finished second. His later European titles belong to the 2020s.

🏆 Major Achievements

2011 production-car champion: Won the FIA title in a Subaru Impreza.
2016 Rally Argentina winner: Defeated Sébastien Ogier in the final Power Stage to take his first WRC victory.
New Zealand milestone: Became the first driver from his country to win an overall WRC event.

Vehicle Highlights

  • Hyundai i20 WRC (2014–2018): The car in which he claimed his historic Rally Argentina win.
  • Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX (PWRC): Championship-winning machine in the 2011 Production World Rally Championship.
  • Hyundai i20 AP4: Used in regional and national events after stepping back from the full WRC schedule.

From PWRC machinery to the cutting-edge WRC Hyundai, Paddon proved himself in vastly different cars and conditions.

Driving Style & Legacy

Hayden Paddon is renowned for his aggressive yet controlled driving on gravel, with an ability to extract maximum pace from his machinery. His commitment and work ethic earned him respect across the WRC paddock, while his Argentina victory remains a landmark moment for Oceania in world rallying.

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