Hayden Paddon might not know when he will next climb into a Hyundai Motorsport seat, but the New Zealander has offered a clear hint that his future in the WRC could be far bigger than just being a driver.
After two podiums in four starts – one on asphalt in Croatia and another on gravel in Paraguay – Hayden Paddon has the highest points contribution per start of anyone in that Hyundai seat this season. He achieved it through a calm, calculated approach, especially when others struggled with tire issues on the opening day in Paraguay.
Paddon admits he is not getting any younger, but he believes that's precisely where his value lies. "I know I'm no spring chicken, and maybe not the fastest driver out there, but I think in the big picture, what we can offer in terms of car development, how you put together a rally, how you put together a championship [is strong]. Hopefully my grey hairs are good for something," he told DirtFish.
His composure and experience in managing a rally became a key asset, particularly when others hit trouble with punctures and delaminations. He chose to minimize risk and reap maximum reward.
Interestingly, both Paddon and Hyundai's WRC sporting director Andrew Wheatley have hinted that Paddon's future role could extend beyond the driving seat. Paddon already runs his own rally program through Paddon Rallysport Group in New Zealand and has never hidden his ambition to bring a Kiwi team to the WRC.
"What the future holds, no idea," said Paddon. "I'm quite content with what I'm doing and happy in life. If an opportunity comes, then great, but I'm not going to sit here begging for it as well because I've got lots of things going on in life that are progressing towards bigger things also within the sport with a team."
Wheatley didn't hesitate to place Paddon near the top of its list of drivers should Hyundai continue in the world championship next year. "I think where Hayden's real skill is his ability to see 360 degrees around the rally. He understands exactly how the event runs and he understands what he needs, he understands what people around him need, and I think that's a skill that we'll see him come to the fore more in the future," Wheatley explained.
Baca Juga
Hayden Paddon mengisyaratkan masa depannya di WRC bisa lebih dari sekadar pembalap. Hyundai pun memujinya. Simak analisis lengkapnya di sini.
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