Hayden Paddon wins Rally Hawke’s Bay ahead of WRC Paraguay

New Zealand rally driver Hayden Paddon secured victory at Rally Hawke’s Bay on 22 August, driving a Paddon Racing Group-run Hyundai i20 N Rally2 with co-driver Jared Hudson. The win marks Paddon’s 31st consecutive rally victory on home soil using a Hyundai.

The event, which was shortened due to weather conditions, served as preparation for Paddon’s final 2026 FIA World Rally Championship appearance. He aims to gain essential gravel seat time ahead of Rally del Paraguay, scheduled for 27–30 August. For the upcoming Paraguayan event, Paddon will be joined by his regular international co-driver, John Kennard.

Paddon, who previously secured a third-place podium finish in Croatia this season, expressed confidence in his driving refinements following the Hawke’s Bay event as he transitions back to the top-level Hyundai Rally1 car.