Paddon Excited to Return to Gravel for Rally del Paraguay

Hayden Paddon and co-driver John Kennard are preparing for an exciting return to World Rally Championship gravel competition later this month after being confirmed in Hyundai Motorsport's Rally1 line-up for Rally del Paraguay (27-30 August). The event marks the New Zealand duo's first gravel appearance in the FIA World Rally Championship's top category since 2018.

Having contested three asphalt-based WRC rounds with Hyundai Motorsport this season, including an impressive podium finish at Croatia Rally, Paddon and Kennard now face a fresh challenge as they take on the demanding roads of Paraguay aboard the Hyundai i20 N Rally1.

The South American event carries special significance for Paddon, whose career-defining WRC victory came in neighbouring Argentina in 2016, making him the first New Zealander to win a round of the World Rally Championship.

While Rally Paraguay represents new territory for much of the WRC field, Paddon is looking forward to returning to the gravel surface that helped establish his reputation as one of the world's leading rally drivers.

"We're beyond excited and incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return to the WRC on gravel and to be heading back to South America," said Paddon.

"Gravel has always felt like home for us, but we're also realistic about the challenge ahead. The level of competition in Rally1 is incredibly high and there's no substitute for regular seat time. Having said that, we'll make the most of every kilometre and give it absolutely everything we've got."

"South America has provided some very special memories throughout our career, and while Paraguay is a new event for us, we're looking forward to embracing the challenge and enjoying every moment."

Preparation for the event has included extensive analysis of onboard footage, stage characteristics and team data, with nearly 40 percent of the rally route featuring stages that are new for 2026.

Hyundai New Zealand General Manager, Leighton Agnew, said the event presents an exciting opportunity for Paddon and Kennard to showcase their strengths on their preferred surface.

"It's fantastic to see Hayden and John back on gravel at Rally1 level," said Agnew. "South America has been the scene of some special moments in Hayden's career and we're proud to see Hyundai New Zealand continue supporting his return to the world stage.”

“We know the challenge ahead is significant, but Hayden's ability on gravel is well proven and we're looking forward to seeing what he can deliver in Paraguay."

While Paddon and Kennard have never competed in Paraguay before, Hyundai Motorsport arrives with valuable knowledge from the event's debut on the FIA World Rally Championship calendar last season. Even so, the significant proportion of new stages means there will be fresh challenges for the entire field.

Rally del Paraguay begins on 27 August, with crews facing three days of competition across the country's gravel stages.