HAYDEN PADDON CONFIRMED FOR EXPANDED WRC ROLE WITH HYUNDAI MOTORSPORT IN 2015

HAYDEN PADDON CONFIRMED FOR EXPANDED WRC ROLE WITH HYUNDAI MOTORSPORT IN 2015

Hyundai Motorsport today confirmed that Hayden Paddon will remain part of the World Rally Championship (WRC) line-up in 2015.

The 27-year-old will take part in a heightened campaign next season, driving a minimum of nine rallies alongside co-driver John Kennard, starting from the second round of the 2015 WRC, Rally Sweden in February. Paddon will also join the Hyundai Shell World Rally Team on recce duties at the season opening Rallye Monte-Carlo in January.

Paddon joined the team in its debut season competing in six rounds of the Championship at the wheel of the #20 Hyundai i20 WRC and scoring points for the Hyundai Motorsport N team.

The Kiwi crew secured a best finish of sixth place at Rally Australia before taking their first ever WRC stage win in Rally Spain. The duo will aim to continue the momentum and positive performances from 2014 into next season, helping the team to maintain its impressive rate of development.

Paddon said: "I am very excited to continue working with Hyundai Motorsport with an expanded programme, starting with round 2 in Sweden. I learnt a lot and built some really good partnerships within the team this year and it was an obvious choice for us to develop more and chase better results in 2015. Also, the confirmation of us doing more events will be crucial for me to develop as a driver and to work closer with the team."

Team Principal Michel Nandan commented: "I am pleased that Hayden will continue to be part of the Hyundai Motorsport team in 2015 and taking part in a greater number of events with us. He had a great first WRC season with us, putting in some eye-catching performances and helping us a lot in the development of our team and car. He gives excellent technical feedback and works very well as part of a close-knit team with the engineers and mechanics."

Tamsin Fewkes

by: Becca Chaplin