Hayden Paddon says being elevated from the satellite operation to the main Hyundai WRC squad offers no extra burden ahead of Coates Hire Rally Australia at Coffs Harbour this weekend.
As previously reported Hyundai has decided to switch Kiwi Paddon and Spaniard Dani Sordo around as the German-headquartered operation seeks to strengthen its stocks in the manufacturer’s championship.
In promoting Paddon to the #8 i20, Hyundai believes it will boost its chances of staving off a challenge from Citroen as the Korean maker sits second in the manufacturer standings.
Volkswagen remains untouchable, led by double world champion Sebastien Ogier, by shooting to 300 points ahead of Hyundai on 161 with Citroen next on 148.
Paddon and co-driver John Kennard will be looking to take a vital role in Hyundai’s charge at the Coffs event as the Kiwi pairing consolidate their solid progress in 2015.
“It really doesn’t make any difference if we are in the #8 or the #20 car,” Paddon told Speedcafe.com
“The goal is to try and be near the front and try and get on the podium.
“It doesn’t change anything. The only thing it changes is if we can achieve it then it is great manufacturer points for the team.”
Paddon, the 2011 PWRC champion, scored a career-best second behind Sebastien Ogier at Rally Sardinia in June.
Bursting back into form after the disappointments of Mexico and Argentina, Paddon says working in a factory environment has helped him understand how to get the most out of an outright WRC machine.
“I think the biggest thing this year has been in my understanding of the way that I’m driving the car and the way to get the most out of the car,” Paddon said.
“I’ve learned a lot in the last 12 months. Even just being in a manufacturer team environment with team-mates where you can be overlaying data, that just helps the learning process 10-fold.”
After initially being given a deal to contest nine of the 13 rounds this season Paddon and Kennard’s campaign was extended to every round except the opening event at Monte Carlo.
CLICK HERE for more with Paddon in Speedcafe.com’s Cafe Chat.
Discussion about this post