Hayden Paddon hopes to kick off his season in Corsica

In order to best prepare for the return to asphalt in WRC, Hayden Paddon followed an intensive program, in the form of a commitment to the last Rally Sanremo en Italie, sur une Hyundai i20 R5. Le pilote de la i20 WRC est un habitué des préparations spécifiques sur asphalte, lui qui avait effectué l’an passé en fin de saison un stage au sein de la structure gardoise Duqueine Engineering

If a second place rewarded the New Zealander from Hyundai Motorsport at the finish, the emphasis was mainly placed on getting his bearings on this specific surface. “I have confidence and I have worked hard to prepare for the first asphalt rally of the year, says Paddon.

Participating in the Sanremo Rally gave me the opportunity to adapt to the notes and pace on this surface. Corsica is a tough event, the toughest asphalt rally on the calendar in my opinion, but I'm really looking forward to it. We are ready to aim for a good performance. »

Enough to hope to erase a start to the season marked by his accident in Monte-Carlo, and a fifth place as best result on gravel in Mexico.

Hyundai’s turn?

However, Hyundai's chances of success should rest above all on Thierry Neuville and Dani Sordo, more accustomed to this surface than their New Zealand teammate.

“The WRC this year is incredibly competitive with three different manufacturers winning in the opening events, recalls Team Principal Michel Nandan. I hope it’s our turn now! Corsica will present its own difficult challenges. Of course, we must focus on the job at hand and remain confident in our own abilities. »