Paddon secures two more WRC outings with M-Sport
Hayden Paddon will return to the M-Sport Ford team for two more World Rally Championship appearances later in the 2019 season.

The former Hyundai driver will compete in a Ford Fiesta R5 at next month's Rally GB before stepping up to a Fiesta WRC for the season-closing Rally Australia.
Paddon’s deal was confirmed by M-Sport Ford World Rally Team on Friday morning and comes after he was forced out of Rally Finland by a pre-event testing accident.
Since that July accident, the Kiwi has been working with M-Sport and his own partners to find a way back into the Fiesta WRC.
Paddon said: “After the disappointment of Finland there was no way we could let that be the end of it and, together with M-Sport, we have worked hard to find some solutions.
“I really can’t thank everyone enough for their continued help and support; and a special thanks to Hyundai New Zealand who have again allowed this opportunity to happen.”
While Paddon’s looking forward to being back in Wales, it’s the Coffs Harbour finale that’s really got his attention.
“I’m really looking forward to driving M-Sport’s new R5 on an event we are familiar with,” said Paddon, who drove a Hyundai i20 R5 at the recent Eureka Rush Rally in Australia. “It’s good to get more seat time and I’ll aim to showcase the capabilities of the car, but getting back to the World Rally Car will be the real highlight. I can’t wait.”
Paddon has a strong record down under, finishing in the top six every time he’s started the event in a World Rally Car, with two of those results on the podium and the runners-up spot last season.
Overlooked by his former employer Hyundai in favour of Craig Breen in Finland, Paddon says his priority is to relax and deliver results in Wales and New South Wales.
“We’re not treating these rallies as a last chance,” he said. “We want to relax and enjoy the whole experience which will allow the results to come naturally. These are both rallies we know well and I feel I’m at a good level.
"There’s no reason we can’t deliver some strong results, but it’s important we don’t go chasing them – just let them come naturally.”
The size of the reaction to Paddon’s heartbreaking – and blameless – exit from Finland surprised many in the service park and only served to double determination at M-Sport to being the popular New Zealander back.
M-Sport team principal Richard Millener said: “After what happened in the lead-up to Finland, it was clear that a lot of the fans were desperate to see Hayden back behind the wheel.
"We gave him some thoughts and advice on what was needed to compete with us again, and within three weeks, he was pretty much there!
“The WRC 2 Pro series is extremely competitive at the moment so it’s great to add another top-line driver into the mix. With Hayden’s experience of all different kinds of cars we’re sure he’ll be able to show the capabilities of the new Fiesta R5.
“As for Rally Australia I think it’s clear what he aims to do there, and it will be great to see him back battling the WRC regulars. He and John [Kennard, co-driver] certainly have the potential to deliver two really strong performances and I’m one of many who are excited to see what they can do.”

M-Sport would be "crazy" to release Evans or Suninen
Tidemand to drive third M-Sport Ford in Rally GB

The former WRC star playing the unsung hero role for Rovanpera
Kalle Rovanpera’s 2022 World Rally Championship displays have been spectacular, with the Toyota driver benefitting from a secret weapon in his crew to win two of the opening three rallies. But while the former challenger to Sebastien Loeb won’t take credit for his fellow Finn's performances, a key bond has been formed which could prove key to Rovanpera’s title charge
How Rovanpera's Croatia turnaround sent a message to his WRC rivals
After a dominating Rally Croatia, a wrong tyre choice on the final day looked to have undone all Kalle Rovanpera's hard work and left him with a mountain to climb heading into the power stage. That he emerged the winner all the same has surely quelled any lingering doubts that the Finn is the man to beat in the 2022 WRC
How M-Sport's faith in Loubet led to a WRC reprieve after a dismal 2021
It's fair to say 2021 was a year to forget for Pierre-Louis Loubet. A maiden full World Rally Championship season offered hope but soon turned into a nightmare that ended in hospital, after being hit by a car in a road traffic accident. Now handed a lifeline by M-Sport, the Frenchman is desperate to rebuild his career
Why WRC mechanics deserve more respect
The drivers get the glare of attention, but it’s the mechanics who are key to the operation of any World Rally Championship car. Motorsport.com donned a set of overalls and joined M-Sport on a Belgian national rally event to get an inside look into the life of a rally mechanic.
The African McRae aiming to become a WRC pioneer
Taking his first step into the Junior World Rally Championship category, McRae Kimathi - named after 1995 world champion Colin - found himself in the unfamiliar climes of Sweden's snow and ice. Having impressed, Kimathi hopes to blaze a trail to the top level of WRC and help other African drivers to step onto the ladder
How Rovanpera grabbed the Rally Sweden spotlight
After a blockbuster opening act to the new era of the World Rally Championship with the battle of the Sebastiens at Monte Carlo, Rally Sweden would be the first chance to assess the next superstar of rallying. While teething issues with the new hybrid power thwarted some of the cast, Kalle Rovanpera’s display gave him headline billing
The "painful" journey behind the WRC's generational tech innovation
As the company selected to provide the hybrid kits for the 2022 World Rally Championship, the pressure was on Compact Dynamics at the Monte Carlo season opener. Needing to treat all three manufacturers equally, it wasn't a straightforward process, but its first big test was a resounding success that bodes well for the future.
The mentality shift key to Lappi’s shot at WRC redemption
He appeared poised to become the World Rally Championship’s new bright young star five years ago, but Esapekka Lappi's fortunes since his 2017 breakthrough win offer a cautionary tale of how the tables can turn. Now having rebuilt his career, the Finn is determined to make the most of his second shot at the big time with Toyota.