Kiwi dominates event aboard i20 N Rally2

Hayden Paddon moved a step closer to a second consecutive FIA European Rally Championship title triumph with victory at Rali Ceredigion in Wales, UK (August 30-September 1).

The New Zealander, driving a Hyundai i20 N Rally2, took the lead after the opening Super Special around the centre of Aberystwyth and gradually extended his advantage to almost two minutes by the finish, such was his dominance alongside co-driver John Kennard.

Paddon’s first place means he now has an advantage of 27 points heading to the season-deciding Rally Silesia (October 11-13). With a maximum of 35 points on offer at the Polish event, a second ERC crown is within touching distance for the BRC Racing Team star.

“It was a very good weekend, everything has gone like clockwork,” Paddon said after claiming win number one of the 2024 ERC season. “It’s full credit to the guys in the team because they’ve been working so hard. Everything worked in our favour and when everything works it’s easy.”

“The car performance, our pacenotes, the Pirelli tyres, our road position on the opening morning, all made the difference. But it was a tough rally with the conditions changing and having to manage a big lead is not easy. You need keep the speed, you need to keep the rhythm.”

“Poland is all about collecting points and that makes me feel more positive where things are at.”

Paddon capped a splendid performance with the fastest time – and five bonus points – in the Power Stage, his 11th stage win of the weekend.

“Hayden, John and the whole BRC Racing Team put in a superb performance and were rewarded with a dominant victory,” said Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing Manager Benoit Nogier. “From winning the Qualifying Stage to claiming the five bonus points on the Power Stage they were almost untouchable. On tricky stages and in changing conditions, especially on Sunday, they met every challenge, even as other fell away.”

“The victory was a huge step for Hayden and the team in the championship, with just the final round to go before the silverware is decided. i20 N Rally2 crews have taken some superb victories all over Europe, especially on tarmac. However, we are still working hard to further improve the car, and the excellent results of our customers are both motivation and reward.”British Rally Championship regular James Williams also impressed at the all-asphalt Rali Ceredigion when he outpaced Paddon – and the entire ERC field – on his home event for his maiden fastest stage time in the international championship on SS3. Unfortunately, his remarkable pace proved to be short-lived as he crashed out in the next stage.