Hayden Paddon will be at the start of the 60th Ardeca Ypres Rally on 27 and 28 June. Paddon’s list of achievements is impressive. The 38-year-old New Zealander is a two-time European Rally Champion, twice Asia Pacific Rally Champion, Production WRC Champion and seven-time New Zealand Rally Champion.
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He will provide an international element, competing in a Hyundai i20 N Rally2 from BMA.
The leader in the Australian Rally Championship is looking forward to his return to Ypres. It was in 2013 that a stellar performance massively boosted his international career.
Ypres Rally has long appealed to international drivers. In 1974 the rally became a part of the European Rally Championship, a place it held until 2016. This tradition has continued in various forms since meaning that a series of top international drivers battle for glory each year.
This year, the international element is boosted by Jos Verstappen, the leader in the Belgian Rally Championship. He will not have it all his own way as Hayden Paddon brings five years of WRC Hyundai factory experience with him.
The New Zealander recalls his start in Ypres in 2013, where he drove a Ford Fiesta S2000. “When I received the invitation to start in Ypres, I didn’t hesitate for a moment,” Paddon said. “I lived in Germany near Alzenau for years, and in recent years I have often travelled back to Europe for the European Championship. But this season, it will be my first rally on European soil. I am already looking forward to the special atmosphere in Ypres and the warm welcome by the fans, who are always there in large numbers. What I can mainly remember from my participation in 2013 is that the course is very treacherous and fast.”
In 2013, Hayden Paddon was at the beginning of his international career. As a gravel specialist, he showed his potential pushing his Ford to fourth place, in the wake of Freddy Loix, Bryan Bouffier and his later team-mate, the late Craig Breen. His pace was clear, even if he finally went off on the Hollebeke stage.
“That participation was a turning point in my career. Thanks to the Belgian team, Symtech Racing and the confidence I received from Alain Penasse, I then got my chance at Hyundai and experienced five fantastic seasons in the World Championship. With this drive in Ypres, the circle is complete,” laughs Hayden, who now has his own motorsport team.
Recently, he boosted his team’s stock, as he bought a Porsche from Belgian RGT ace, Gunther Monnens. “We bought the car for a customer who will drive it on loose surface rallies. A nice project.”
Hayden Paddon will continue his long relationship with Hyundai and will be at the wheel of a car prepared by last year’s Belgian Champions, BMA.
Over the past two seasons, he took a Hyundai i20 N Rally2 to the European Rally Championship. It is fitting that the reigning European Champion will start in Ypres. Belgium’s best will have to push to compete with this world-class driver.
Anyone who wants to be there on 27 and 28 June will have to hurry. Registrations are pouring in and the starting field is almost full, after which a waiting list will be created.
Furthermore, The Challenge was launched this season with the Rallye de la Lys in France. It has also produced many French participants, such as Charles (Renault Clio Rally5), Grégory Perrard (Skoda Fabia Rally2) and Gregory Desintobin (Peugeot 208 Rally4). Meanwhile, Kurt Boone, fifth in Saint-Venant, can also enjoy his discount as the best-ranked participant from the Rallye de la Lys.
