2015 is an important year for the 27 year old Hayden Paddon, from New Zealand. He gets his second season in the WRC underway in the sub zero temperatures of next weekend's Rally Sweden Hayden really established himself on the scene in 2011, when he ran away to the PWRC title in a Subaru Impreza, winning 4 consecutive rallies. He progressed to the SWRC in 2012 where in his Skoda Fabia S2000 he took 2 class victories - including at home in New Zealand - to finish 4th in the championship. In 2013 he did a few WRC2 events coming 3rd on 2 occasions and competed on the Ypres Rally in the European Rally Championship, sadly crashing out. Hayden got a chance with M-Sport for the Spanish round of the 2013 WRC season, and it was always going to be a challenge. However a sensible drive netted him 8th place. Paddon's big chance came last year, where Hyundai offered him a programme to compete in the WRC in their second team with the i20 WRC. He scored a healthy 19 points in just 6 events. Along the way he also claimed fastest stage times, proving he has the pace. 2015 sees an increased programme for Hayden, and it really is his chance to shine. With nigh on a full season and experience of half the calendar in a WR car, Paddon needs to prove he is worthy of a seat in the WRC. Personally I believe he is capable of some upsets, don't be surprised to see him feature in the top 5 on some events. Paddon is not known for his crashing so he needs to keep that tag and increase the pace to prove his worth, as there are lots of other drivers out there who would love his seat. Paddon will again be partnered by John Kennard for this season in the second Hyundai team. Good luck!
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January 2018
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