8^th April 2026 – Hayden Paddon and co‑driver John Kennard will continue their 2026 WRC campaign with Hyundai Motorsport at the upcoming Croatia Rally from 9 to 12 April. After already competing in Europe earlier this season, including their Rallye Monte‑Carlo appearance, the pair now prepare for the championship’s first full‑asphalt event. This year’s rally forms the fourth round of the 2026 FIA World Rally Championship and features a refreshed route across western Croatia.

Paddon will again drive the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 as part of Hyundai Motorsport’s multi‑driver line‑up for the season. Paddon says he is feeling increasingly confident heading back onto European tarmac, “Can’t wait to be back in the Hyundai Rally1 for Croatia Rally. Already feeling a hundred times more ready heading into a more traditional tarmac event… Monte was about getting back in the game, now it’s time to build the speed and confidence. John and I can’t wait!”

Hyundai New Zealand is backing Paddon’s ongoing 2026 programme, with General Manager Leighton Agnew reaffirming the importance of his role within the Hyundai family. As Agnew previously stated, “Hayden has always been an integral part of the Hyundai family, both here and abroad. His experience, resilience, and proven success are attributes that typify his hard‑working Kiwi spirit. We are excited to see him back in action at the very top level of rallying.”

As New Zealand’s most successful rally driver and the only Kiwi to win a WRC event, Paddon continues to deliver for Hyundai on the world stage. His recent achievements include consecutive European Rally Championship titles in 2023 and 2024 and the Australian Rally Championship crown in 2025. With more than 20 years of partnership, Paddon and Kennard bring valuable consistency and experience as the Hyundai Motorsport team focuses on strengthening its manufacturers’ points haul across the 2026 season.

With Croatia marking the WRC’s return to asphalt, Hyundai will rely on Paddon’s consistency and experience on European roads as the team pushes to build momentum throughout the season.