21st January 2026 – Hayden Paddon will return to the FIA World Rally Championship this week, contesting the iconic Rallye Monte-Carlo for the Hyundai World Rally Team in his first WRC start since 2018.

One of the most prestigious and demanding events on the world rally calendar, Rallye Monte-Carlo will see Paddon and longtime co-driver John Kennard take on the legendary alpine stages that have tested the greatest drivers for more than a century. The rally’s notorious mix of dry asphalt, snow, ice and rapidly changing grip levels makes it a unique challenge and a fitting stage for Paddon’s return to the championship.

Since his last WRC appearance, Paddon has remained firmly at the sharp end of international rallying, delivering success across multiple continents including back-to-back European Rally Championships and most recently being crowned the 2025 Australian Rally Champion.

Hyundai New Zealand is proud to support Paddon as he returns to the WRC spotlight at rallying’s most iconic season opener. “To be back at a WRC event and to do it at Monte-Carlo is incredibly special,” said Paddon.

“This rally is one of the ultimate tests in motorsport. The conditions, the tyre choices and the level of competition push you to the limit, and that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding.”

Following a full day of pre-event testing, Paddon said the focus was on reacclimatising to the unique demands of WRC machinery and Monte-Carlo conditions. “The test day was really important for getting back into the rhythm of the WRC environment,” Paddon said.

 “Monte-Carlo is all about confidence, precision and understanding the grip changes. We worked through a lot of setup options and tyre behaviour, and it was valuable just to build familiarity again and feel comfortable in the car ahead of the rally.”

 Paddon’s WRC career features multiple podium finishes including landmark victory at 2016 Rally Argentina and he remains the only New Zealand driver to win a round of the WRC.

 “Hayden & John’s return to the WRC at Rallye Monte-Carlo is a huge moment for New Zealand motorsport,” said Leighton Agnew, General Manager, Hyundai New Zealand.

 “Monte-Carlo is one of the most demanding rallies in the world, and Hayden has proven time and again that he has the skill, experience and mindset to compete at this level. We’re incredibly proud to support him as he takes on this iconic event.”

 As the WRC season gets underway on the roads of the French Alps this weekend, Hyundai New Zealand will share updates on its social media platforms throughout the event as Paddon & Kennard look to rewrite history once again.

For further information, please contact:

Ross Wenzlick, Hyundai New Zealand on 027 521 3318 or email rwenzlick@hyundai.co.nz

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