Paddon,
28, has been driving an i20 WRC on a part-programme for the last two
years but will start his first full season in the WRC next year. "I am
very excited to sign with Hyundai Motorsport
for a further three years," said Paddon." The past two seasons have
been an amazing journey and we have grown a lot. "The team has helped me
to develop and based on the rate that we have progressed together I
have no doubt we will be winning soon." Paddon and co-driver John
Kennard led the Rally of Italy in the summer before finishing second in
Sardinia. Since then the Kiwi has regularly been the fastest of the
Hyundai drivers, regularly casting the supposed team leader Thierry Neuville into
the shade. Paddon had been in discussions with other teams about a seat
for next season, but the lure of a long-term agreement allied to two
all-new i20 WRCs in the next two years convinced him to stay with the
team. "We are all working and striving towards becoming world champions
and I firmly believe Hyundai Motorsport will offer me the best
opportunity to achieve that goal," he said. "First and foremost, though,
we must target our first rally victory and that is my personal target
for 2016." Team principal Michel Nandan added: "I am delighted that we
have been able to extend our partnership with Hayden for a further three
years and to have him compete in all rounds of the WRC with us. "Since
he joined the team early last year, he has proven to be a worthy
addition to our young team. "He is consistent, quick and determined and
with even more potential for growth. "From the start of our WRC
programme, we have wanted to support fresh, young talent and Hayden has
shown just how successful this can be. "I am personally looking forward
to see what he can deliver over the next three years with Hyundai
Motorsport." Paddon, Neuville, Dani Sordo and Kevin Abbring are all under contract with Hyundai next season.
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