Hayden Paddon claims best WRC result since Hyundai return with Paraguay podium
Hayden Paddon secured a second-place finish at Rally del Paraguay, marking his best World Rally Championship result since returning to Hyundai. The performance is a significant milestone for the Kiwi driver, who has faced various challenges throughout the season.
Why it matters
Highlights a notable achievement in professional motorsports and the competitive landscape of the WRC.
Hayden Paddon and co-drive John Kennard celebrate placing second in Paraguay. Photo / Hyundai Motorsport
Hayden Paddon has secured his best result since returning to the World Rally Championship with Hyundai.
The Kiwi and co-driver John Kennard have placed second at Rally del Paraguay, 25.8 seconds behind Toyota’s Finnish pairing of Sami Pajari and Marko Salminen.
Paraguay marked Paddon’s first World Rally Championship (WRC) event on gravel since 2018, which he led briefly on day one.
The result backs up the Kiwi pairing’s third in Croatia in April, plus seventh in Japan in May and 11th in the season opener in Monte Carlo in January, all of which were on tarmac.
Paddon now sits eighth in the Drivers’ Championship standings with 38 points, but has only competed in four of 11 WRC rallies so far. The overall lead is held by Toyota’s British driver, Elfyn Evans, on 215 points.
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