Hyundai has promoted Hayden Paddon to its second factory World Rally Championship entry for next month’s Rally Australia.
Paddon will switch places with Dani Sordo for the event, owing to his greater experience of the roads being used and his form on loose-surface rallies.
Hyundai team boss Michel Nandan said: “We are in tight fight for second in the manufacturers’ championship with just a few points separating us from Citroen.
“After careful consideration we have agreed that adapting momentarily our line-up offers us the best chance to secure the points we need on this unique and challenging event.
“Hayden is very familiar with the rally and after his recent strong performances on gravel he is more than capable of supporting us in this battle.
“Dani did not compete in Australia in the last few years – and he never took part in the Coffs Harbour based event – so he has less experience of the particular demands of this rally.”
Paddon will therefore drive Hyundai’s #8 car alongside team leader Thierry Neuville, while Sordo will drive the #20 entry for that weekend.
“I’m very pleased that the team has faith in me but at the end of the day it is just a car number change for me,” said Paddon.
“I will have the same approach to the rally as always but this time I will be happy to challenge for points that can help the team in the manufacturer standings.”
Sordo added: “We spoke about it together as a team after Rally Finland and I know we all need to push in the same direction to secure a good result at end of the season in the manufacturers’ championship.”
Great move by Hyundai, Hayden has been the form driver lately and as they said is familiar with the roads and conditions.