MOTORSPORT: Paddon to ponder 2016 WRC plans

Highly-touted New Zealander Hayden Paddon is firmly focused on this weekend’s Rally Australia, round ten of the 13 round World Rally Championship.

The Hyundai Motorsport team driver has embarked on a promising 2015 campaign after initially impressing the team with a eye-catching program in 2014.

After missing the opening Monte Carlo round this season, Paddon has shown his speed consistently enough – particularly on gravel. Being promoted to the first-tier Hyundai team for Rally Australia, alongside Thierry Neuville, Paddon will  now be eligible for manufacturer points in Oz.

Despite his current rally focus, the pressure for Paddon to turn his thoughts to next season have been looming in the background.

On the matter of a new contract, Paddon recently told wrc.com: "Nothing's signed and sealed yet but it's getting close. Things are looking positive… let's just say that."

It was a line he was determined to reiterate at the Rally Australia media conference. When asked if he had signed for Hyundai, he responded: “Things are close. We want to focus on preparing for this rally, there are a few formalities after this weekend.”

But when questioned regarding his team-mates and levels of team co-operation, Paddon cooly suggested that, “… we all talk. It's the same as any team-mates: they're the number one rival. We all look at the stages times… we all get on away from events, but when rally time comes we're pushing for ourselves as well as scoring for the team. It’s every man for himself.”

On the surface it appears logical that Paddon should remain with the Hyundai team, though with Neuville and Dani Sordo – the man Paddon has deposed for Rally Australia – contracted to the main team for next year, as well as Kevin Abbring showing promise with a limited Hyundai 2015 program, there is opportunity to explore further… and he may not be willing to be the third driver for another season.

WRC paddock rumours have therefore suggested Paddon has been talking to Citroen, as he did when renegotiating for 2015. Mads Ostberg and Kris Meeke remain uncontracted for next year and have effectively been put on notice by team chief Yves Matton to prove they should be renewed for 2016.

“It is good for him to talk to other teams, not just to see possibilities, but to gauge his value in the market,” a contact within Hyundai Motorsport told motoring.com.au.

Before we get to 2016 discussions, however, there is the small matter of challenging for the podium at Rally Australia, if he does then you will be sure to hear plenty of shouting from the 100-strong Kiwi throng who have flown over especially for the event.