Kiwi rally driver Hayden Paddon hopes rumoured regulation changes will pave the way for his return to the World Rally Championship, this time as a team owner.
Paddon, who became the first New Zealander to win a WRC event in Argentina in 2016, has not competed full-time in the championshipfor six years, but continues to get behind the wheel around the world.
The 38-year-old believes the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile is expected to decide in August whether to allow private teams to build and run their own cars starting from 2027 or 2028.
This potential shift comes amid speculation that Hyundai, Paddon’s long-time partner, could withdraw from the sport, leaving only Ford and Toyota as manufacturers. Paddon believes that opening the series to private teams could revitalise the WRC and make it more accessible.
He already runs the Paddon Rally Group in the New Zealand Rally Championship and sees an opportunity to bring a New Zealand-based team to the world stage.
Speaking to Brian Kelly on the Country Sport Breakfast, Paddon said he has big plans if things do eventuate.
“Much like what Team New Zealand do in yachting, I’d love to have that New Zealand-themed team involved within rally,” said Paddon. “Maybe it’s a couple of cars, you get other drivers involved, and build a profile and a team around it.
“It’s a work in progress. We’ve got a lot of people around us who want to help make it happen, but we’ve got to wait for the pieces of the puzzle to fall together.”
If things do eventuate, Paddon is unsure if he will be the one behind the wheel.
Hayden Paddon in action. Photo / Paddon Racing Group
Paddon remains active as a driver, recently finishing second at the Ypres Rally in Belgium – the first non-European to stand on that event’s podium – and will compete in Queensland this weekend.
However, the idea of running his own team increasingly occupies his thoughts.
“All we can do is dream about it,” he said.
“If it goes in that direction, I’d love to run our own team. Money’s going to play a big factor, but you have to have dreams and goals to work towards.”
Paddon believes changes are needed to address declining interest in the WRC, which he attributes to rising costs and a lack of competition.
Since 2016, there have only been four different champions.
“It’s lacking numbers and competition, and it’s just got so expensive with the current Rally1 cars that it’s become unattainable for most,” he said.
“They need to bring it back to basics, get more competitors involved, and bring unpredictability back.
“When there’s only two or three guys fighting for a win, people switch off. You need more teams and more excitement.”
