Former WRC driver Hayden Paddon has confirmed he will compete in August’s Eureka Rush Rally.
Driving a Hyundai i20 R5 owned by CAMS Australian Rally Championship (ARC) competitors Marcus and Scott Walkem, Paddon tested the impressive machinery during a test day in Tasmania earlier this week.
Paddon will compete as part of the FIA Asia Pacific Cup which also forms part of the fourth round of the ARC. The New Zealander has already competed in that competition this season, driving an AP4 Hyundai i20 which was similar to the R5, with some noticeable differences.
“The R5 is a nice car to drive, and has some strengths and some weaknesses compared to AP4,” Paddon told RallySport Magazine.
“Generally it’s an easy and balanced car to drive, and while there are differences between AP4 and R5, there are also a lot of similarities.
“It was great to work with Marcus Walkem and see how he adapted to the car quickly, and it will be great to see him soon competing in it.”
Paddon competed in the 2018 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) with Hyundai, however missed out on a seat in 2019. Earlier this year, he stated his desire to return to the WRC in 2020, hopeful events like Eureka would allow him to keep his skills sharp and ready to compete at the highest level.
The Eureka Rush Rally takes place on 24-25 August in Ballarat, with the service park to be based out of Beaufort.
