Hayden Paddon, the reigning double European Rally Champion, made his debut at the Donegal International Rally in June 2025, driving a Hyundai i20 N Rally2 with co-driver David Moynihan. Despite his vast experience, Paddon acknowledged the unique challenge posed by the fast, technical Irish stages and the local drivers’ deep knowledge of the roads. He impressed early on, running as high as second place after the first day, but his event ended prematurely with a soft roll on the second pass of the Knockalla stage, cutting short his maiden Irish rally.
At the Ypres Rally in Belgium, Paddon has previously demonstrated strong form, notably securing a hard-fought second place with co-driver Jared Hudson, showcasing his adaptability on classic European tarmac events. Both rallies are renowned for their challenging stages and fierce local competition, providing Paddon with valuable experience and exposure to Europe’s top tarmac events.
