Hayden Paddon

[EstWRC]

Anything worse than 5th place (or pace around it) would be a big disappointment from Paddon after he was 4th in "worse" car last year.

But things are different this year, he hasnt been in a WRC car for 8 months and its a new car to him. 5th or 6th would be very okay for me, anything better than that, awesome!

[AL14]

But things are different this year, he hasnt been in a WRC car for 8 months and its a new car to him. 5th or 6th would be very okay for me, anything better than that, awesome!

I would actually look at the performance.
I mean there are a lot of variables to judge him from his last position. If he arrives 5th but other 6 drivers will have mechanical problems and he wasn't near the pace on friday morning that will be a bad 5th place.
If he set top times consistently but will arrive 5th but only 30-40 seconds from the first it will be an awesome 5th place.
I hope the best for him, always liked him.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

That's a fair point, but for the record, I think Breen will have an absolute corker.

Hopefully Breen will have a great run. He's certainly 'match-fit' with all of the events he's done this year.

Paddon - who knows. The events in NZ have been won easily so he isnt really used the the pressure the WRC will provide.

[racerx1979]

Hopefully Breen will have a great run. He's certainly 'match-fit' with all of the events he's done this year.
I
Paddon - who knows. The events in NZ have been won easily so he isnt really used the the pressure the WRC will provide.

Breen is not the problem here, it's the Hyundai. How will the weakest of all four cars fair? Ogier and Lappi can be in the top 3. Suninen can also be up there. Then you have three Toyota's. Neuville should be a lot more comfy in the i20 than Breen. If nobody has issues Breen can find himself in 8-10th place.

Edit: I also forgot Elfyn who came in second in 2017.

[mknight]

Last year road position seemed to have a lot to say though. Paddon and Breen have great one, Neuville quite bad.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The number of different cars Breen has driven (and won in !) this year should hold him in good stead for getting used to the i20 quickly.

I would hope Paddon will find the Fiesta pretty good to drive. It is normally pretty good in Finland.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D_Vk2zzU8AASk-F.jpg

[KKS]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D_Vk2zzU8AASk-F.jpg
I expect huge "Hyundai NZ" logo on side of that Fiesta ))

[Barreis]

I expect huge "Hyundai NZ" logo on side of that Fiesta ))

hardly :D

[wrc2017]

Maybe €180k for Finland in WRC car.. Without any real sponsors??

[pantealex]

Renting price for driver like Paddon is maximum 100k€, probably much less...

[TypeR]

Renting price for driver like Paddon is maximum 100k€, probably much less...

100% no less than 100k.. renting a Fabia R5 is around 60k per rally, so WRC is at least double the cost

[Tarmop]

In that price profit is also included. I also think that he is paying the real cost+ some extra for profit, but shouldn`t forget that Paddon as a driver and name is also something that M-Sport can capitalize on.

[racerx1979]

Paddon saying he's going all out in Finland

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/motorsport/hayden-paddon-ready-fight-wrc-future-rally-finland

[rallyfiend]

Renting price for driver like Paddon is maximum 100k€, probably much less...

Not a chance.

He'd be paying full-freight.

And I know the price is a lot, lot more than that for a gravel event....

Particularly if you add testing in there.

[dimviii]

https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/july-2019/paddon-column/page/6514--12-12-.html?fbclid=IwAR0de7-7vsxZE7WehYo9nDmKtjlzCefiPYAoOrvVXDF3g9AWhB3SLmLaQ _0

[AnttiL]

Not a chance.

He'd be paying full-freight.

And I know the price is a lot, lot more than that for a gravel event....

Particularly if you add testing in there.

How much does M-Sport reduce the price for expected manufacturer points? I mean, it must be different from Serderidis or Virtanen renting a Fiesta WRC

[mknight]

Paddon saying he's going all out in Finland

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/motorsport/hayden-paddon-ready-fight-wrc-future-rally-finland

He kind of has to go all out.

Anything worse than 5th (or speed for worse than 5th) and it might get extremely hard to get to WRC again.

Thinking Evans not being there is a disadvantage as well. If he was there was a known fast guy (in Finland) to compare with, even if Paddon would be slower it would still be some benchmark. Now with basically only Suninen who can either have his best rally ever, or for example massive technical issues or crash there might suddenly not be anyone to compare with on similar terms.

[dimviii]

Hayden Paddon
‏ @HaydenPaddon

Feeling good in the new office. Spent some time today at @MSportLtd for seat fitting and meet some of the team. Can’t wait to unleash the car at our test on Monday #paddonspack @OfficialWRC


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EAKyiEPW4AE7hQG.jpg

[mknight]

On Monday 29th? That doesn't sound quite right, a day before the recce.

[EstWRC]

i dont see a problem there

[pantealex]

On Monday 29th? That doesn't sound quite right, a day before the recce.

It´s very hard to close good roads for testing Saturday/Sunday. It´s final holiday weekend in Finland and there are summer cottages everywhere...

[mknight]

- any (big) technical issue or damage to the car and they might have big troubles not to miss the rally
- possibly limited number of changes he can do to car/setup. (Mikkelsen said last year that at VW they could pick from 20 different dampers and at Hyundai from 50, so I expect quite a few at MSport as well. Doubt they take "everything" with them to the test so if he doesn't quite like what they have, he might not have a chance to try)

Monday this week would have been much more convenient, but sure a test is better than no test.

[dimviii]

https://twitter.com/HaydenPaddon/status/1154103989304287232

[mknight]

I suppose in 2 days he got to drive around their test track at least.

[Grutz]

https://totalrallystudio.podbean.com/

Latest Absolute Rally Podcast with Paddon

[KiwiWRCfan]

Paddon livery for Finland, a nice composition maintaining MSport feel but with touches of black for New Zealand and hints of green Hayden's preferred color.
Hope we see a model of this released, best livery so far on a Paddon driven car in my opinion.
https://twitter.com/HaydenPaddon/status/1154468025581490177

[Portimao]

Finally some proper testings

[AnttiL]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EAoNbwZX4AAQltJ?format=jpg&name=medium

[AnttiL]

https://twitter.com/HaydenPaddon/status/1155763840820350976

Quite sideways

[Andre Oliveira]

Unknown author

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EAo5K9qXsAAs9Lg?format=jpg&name=large

[EstWRC]

Wow, not a good start

Seems to be quite heavy one

[mknight]

Waiting for confirmation.

In case it's true I hope they can fix the car. Confirms my comments about issues with testing right before rally.

[Simmi]

Hopefully it's not Luky all over again. Was looking forward to watching him.

[eib1]

https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/67404041_1382536791911851_6713246789471830016_n.jp g?_nc_cat=104&_nc_oc=AQlnHRCex9gji8qac8sOjIuZzsQER-6JFqh5P7Dfhj3pPUwAkRZFdUtF395oIju8mIM&_nc_ht=scontent-cdg2-1.xx&oh=c21bb7c5283507de6eef954b5f49e558&oe=5DE37CCA

https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/67546520_1382536848578512_8500709545528524800_n.jp g?_nc_cat=108&_nc_oc=AQnnY6jZpYf7cy6NWdy65gkBHfFW-yE49tQFishRgLCm9QJsBFGMAQsYOtwnxEqCxRg&_nc_ht=scontent-cdg2-1.xx&oh=3d0829f77a1edf20de104127de99d877&oe=5DD95DE8

[Andre Oliveira]

https://www.facebook.com/Ylivaa/

[Portimao]

Unfortunatelly it is Paddon https://www.facebook.com/Ylivaa/posts/1382536945245169?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARCC0Y3u5LlHPsB ud2q3bZnUTGhmmzum0WXB-EUy1y3xguh7Pr6_Ycu_QROvflMnqEyM_mdeGWV0Dv7p5xKdXRO DspOQzt2wz2n7UQ8SjIKsSq8MCplKz_dtnQF6cd78MAl3_J00Y 2yFtnICfp48eAKXen1T1tnyD9UYGPYpOh_FxJVIOQOUIkKHnRI 4kd0PWr4wKlQLrYEAAtIzkuHanN6EyhSBfzkpHJMq3b001Ef4S UKs9Zrt2Katg3f2zo5koyVJhRJKvZYGMjC2mEYQg6jWdrpi6qR vHeQWn9lvD41AG0F25jlAvrqji_wL8mmqQ2eLQ7-QCrvCjdGO-2FDELJI613iQn4Mq3AiVy4xA5bCPHXfmXkDClQ2n-PSYCt1F3tMf5Mv4Z7nk0h3paFSX6EhZa6FqBYkat93aEUnG9t2 sOZLC4-u5j50PsizsL8989yl2mYOUOFlrJ6qm8Hmk0lZF-DOCpAE5jT5T2bmSLSgMxHfHChUPVsFB0Y2AisOdb3z9VD2d51B Bs1nMwZDmO8&__tn__=H-R

[Rallyper]

That car will not do any Rally this weekend :( :(

[tommeke_B]

That car will not do any Rally this weekend :( :(

Not sure yet. We all know which massive crashes happened on shakedown before some events, and drivers could still start. It's still monday now.

[EstWRC]

Are they okay?

That is a massive one. Parts all over the place

[Rallyper]

Not sure yet. We all know which massive crashes happened on shakedown before some events, and drivers could still start. It's still monday now.

No way this time.

[Got Mail]

No way this time.


I'd be surprised if they couldn't fix that.

[Rallyper]

I'd be surprised if they couldn't fix that.

Nope. Will never happen. Don´t dare bet my shoe, though...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Horrible news.

[Got Mail]

Nope. Will never happen. Don´t dare bet my shoe, though...

The biggest problem may be the insurance.

There is usually a clause that will only allow one claim per 'event'.

If they have taken separate cover for the test it may be okay. If it's one single policy covering test and rally then that may be a problem.

[AnttiL]

Are they okay?

Apparently yes.

Seems like gone end over end, the front and back are smashed in, but not the roof. Ylivaa facebook has more pics.

[rallyfiend]

The biggest problem may be the insurance.

There is usually a clause that will only allow one claim per 'event'.

If they have taken separate cover for the test it may be okay. If it's one single policy covering test and rally then that may be a problem.

M-Sport usually self-insure: they don't have external insurance as it's too expensive.

THat's well known from when they lose a car to fire: that's a catastrophe as it's a total loss. EVen the worst accident can still salvage lots of value.

[deephouse]

They save Fiesta from that year when Tanak drove crash into water completely. And he still race that weekend.

[AnttiL]

They save Fiesta from that year when Tanak drove crash into water completely. And he still race that weekend.

But if the rollcage/bodyshell is too badly damaged, they need to take the car back to Cumbria to fix it.

[Got Mail]

M-Sport usually self-insure: they don't have external insurance as it's too expensive.

THat's well known from when they lose a car to fire: that's a catastrophe as it's a total loss. EVen the worst accident can still salvage lots of value.

But this is effectively a 'customer' entry. That car will have gone nowhere without insurance cover.

[EstWRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EApDmrFXoAAgr5y?format=jpg&name=small

[doubled1978]

Poor fella, don’t wish that on anyone....I hope they can still compete, but even if they do I suspect his going for it approach may be revised...

[Got Mail]

Those latest pictures show a lot more damage.

That car is fucked.

[tommeke_B]

Well, the question is not if they can fix it or not, if they want Paddon to start, he will start. The question is if they are willing to do that, and it depends on a lot of variables. With already losing Evans in their line-up, I think there's more importance to have him on the start of the rally. Another variable is if M-Sport was having any future plans with Paddon after Finland.

[Portimao]

This car is not going anywhere, sadly

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EApDmrHXUAAFw7G?format=jpg&name=medium

[EstWRC]

id like to see pictures of the road where he went off...was there tricky corner or what caused it ?

[AL14]

I fear that he will not be able to drive it. What a pity :(

[rallyfiend]

But this is effectively a 'customer' entry. That car will have gone nowhere without insurance cover.

It will not have external insurance.

It's too expensive and the customers couldn't afford it.

It's the same with the JWRC cars. There's no insurance, but M-Sport hold a 'damage bond' for a certain amount, and an ything above that is M-Sport's problem.

It's a kind of speculation.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Looks worse with every photo. It will take a lot for him to come back to WRC after this.

[Zeakiwi2]

Big impact to squash the rear like that.

In the old days Paddon might have been able to find another car for the event.

Any spare R5 Fiestas to use for the event?

Kiwism
"Shame Bilbo"

---------------------
Think Paddon can probably now devote his efforts into the TCR i30N he has back in the shop at home in NZ.

[Tarmop]

Well, one new R5 should be free after Greensmith...


It will not have external insurance.

It's too expensive and the customers couldn't afford it.

It's the same with the JWRC cars. There's no insurance, but M-Sport hold a 'damage bond' for a certain amount, and an ything above that is M-Sport's problem.

It's a kind of speculation.


Insurance is expensive yes, but when you rent a 600k eur machine for one event, maybe not so much...comparsion with r2 cars around 70k eur in terms of that is quite poor.

[HarriK]

Msport test car is free?

[Tarmop]

There should be a few free that weekend, question is, are they maintained enough to tackle the event...and if there is enough money available.

[Oliverk]

M-Sport
3 mins
‪Many will have seen the images from Hayden Paddon’s crash during this morning’s test. While he and co-driver John Kennard are both okay - which is the most important thing - the damage to their Ford Fiesta WRC has proved too severe to repair and we’re devastated to say that they will not start this weekend’s Neste Rally Finland #WRC‬

[Fast Eddie WRC]

"Malcolm was straight on this," M-Sport WRC team principal Richard Millener told Autosport.

"His instruction was to find a way to get him out to the event, but we just can't do it. It's so frustrating.

"The car needs a jig and we don't have one and, even if we had a car built and ready to go, it would take three and a half days to get it out there. It's simply not possible.

"Everything was going so well with him, he's been a pleasure to work with and we were all looking forward to the event."

Millener refused to blame Paddon for what he saw as a freak accident.

"When you test on a road like that, these things can happen," added Millener.

"We saw pretty much the same thing happen with Seb [Ogier] in his Finland test last year.

"The difference in that test was that Seb was in the test car rather than his entry car.

"There's always a risk involved with testing in the car you'll be running on the event and this time it's come back and bitten us.

"You can't help but feel really sorry for Hayden. We don't blame him for this.

"A rock's been pulled out and he's then discovered it sitting in the middle of the road in a blind, sixth-gear right-hander.

"There was nothing he could do to avoid it.

"It's hit the bottom of the car and sent them into the air and off the road. They were passengers."

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/145059/paddon-ruled-out-of-rally-finland-after-test-crash

[EstWRC]

i cant believe this...

[Rallyper]

The way MSport ran this entrance for Paddon is such a shame and is only an outcome from their money saving management...

[wrc2017]

i cant believe this...genuinely feel sorry for paddin

[Got Mail]

It will not have external insurance.

It's too expensive and the customers couldn't afford it.

It's the same with the JWRC cars. There's no insurance, but M-Sport hold a 'damage bond' for a certain amount, and an ything above that is M-Sport's problem.

It's a kind of speculation.

Can you explain the difference between 'damage bond' and insurance?

Because I can't see any.

[wrc2017]

Can you explain the difference between 'damage bond' and insurance?

Because I can't see any.

Bond if you cant get external insurance

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Maybe M-Sport should talk to OT Racing and see if they can use their Fiesta WRC. Its not far away.

[Tarmop]

Well, i don`t think in EU any place is far, M-sport test car and V1FMC ran Rally Estonia and aren`t driving the rally, but are those cars ready to take the WRC event?

[GigiGalliNo1]

Shaman M-Sport don’t have a test car for such tests on location.

In previous years, at some WRC events I attended, Citroen had a third car in service clearly available for the Rally but they only had two car competing....

[Tarmop]

They have, just not today. Probably matter of negotiations and ordered package (and maybe even something to do with official test-days and private drivers).

[wrc2017]

Well, i don`t think in EU any place is far, M-sport test car and V1FMC ran Rally Estonia and aren`t driving the rally, but are those cars ready to take the WRC event?

Guys.. youll find its all to do with money. Its not happening.

[AnttiL]

Crash aftermath https://youtu.be/UJNExCURMOA

[Rally Power]

Gutted for Paddon and Kennard. Hope they’ll get soon another chance in the WRC.

[Barreis]

it reminds me of Lukyanuk and his test before Rally Finland, also M-Sport but old generation of Fiesta

[AnttiL]

Well, i don`t think in EU any place is far, M-sport test car and V1FMC ran Rally Estonia and aren`t driving the rally, but are those cars ready to take the WRC event?

Takes too long to ship out a new car from Cumbria

Quite dramatic really, I’m surprisingly shaken

[mknight]

Said it last week that it's risky with test right before the rally. Some people here couldn't see any problem with that.

Feel pitty for Paddon.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

At least they are both ok.

And M-Sport say he is not to blame for the crash, so Paddon may feel able to come back again at some point.

[AnttiL]

And M-Sport say he is not to blame for the crash, so Paddon may feel able to come back again at some point.

Did his budget burn here? His best bet would now be Australia, the rallies before that aren’t his expertise and that’s too late for 2020 seat negotiations

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Did his budget burn here? His best bet would now be Australia, the rallies before that aren’t his expertise and that’s too late for 2020 seat negotiations

It was a last-minute deal with M-Sport for Finland. It may be hard to get his sponsors to come up with more money anytime soon.

But I was thinking more about the psychological effect on Paddon. If the crash had been his error it may have finished him as a WRC driver. But as it wasnt he may be strong enough to try again.

[mknight]

I guess it's not possible to switch to R5 this late? They have an "open" entry.

[er88]

Devasting news. He must be really low right now - hopefully this isn't the end for him. I'm sure he'll get another drive but whether he can earn a new fulltime contract remains to he seen. The longer you're out the harder it is to get back in...

Testing accidents happen, people on here have previously used it as a stick to beat drivers with, when nearly all the top drivers have binned it in testing over the last 3/4yrs. This won't be held against Paddon by anyone in the wrc circle, but might be difficult in terms of his sponsors finding extra money for another drive - if they've not had any return on this investment.

[mknight]

Testing accidents do happen to everyone which is why you could partly blame MSport for this.They planned test this late before rally and didn't have a reserve car ready.

[wrc2017]

I guess it's not possible to switch to R5 this late? They have an "open" entry.

Right. He has just wrote off a 600k WRC car... Probably not insured.. And your asking about finding another 400k rally car... Which if u were the underwriter.. You probably wouldn't insure... Plus 100k already spend on running on event... Your exposure is now 1.1million...

Stfu

[Norm75]

Maybe M-Sport should talk to OT Racing and see if they can use their Fiesta WRC. Its not far away.
Really not such a bad idea, OT racing loans m-sport their car, Haydon jams it between Ott and Neuville in rally Finland results, helps Ott out with championship. Haydon is never going to beat Ott in Finland so nothing to lose (other than car which can be replaced)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

HP:
Where to next.....who knows. But it’s great to have the support of @MSportLtd at present. Motor sport can be cruel, but it is these highs and lows that makes us stronger and keeps bringing us back - fans and competitors alike. Best of luck to everyone competing this weekend. https://t.co/cZ0XsczfTi

[AnttiL]

Right. He has just wrote off a 600k WRC car... Probably not insured.. And your asking about finding another 400k rally car...

Even buying an R5 wouldn't cost 400k. The insurance thing is a big IF but this way his sponsors are getting no exposure for their investment. Driving an R5 would give at least something. And the race running cost of a WRC car is probably double the amount of an R5.

[wrc2017]

Even buying an R5 wouldn't cost 400k. The insurance thing is a big IF but this way his sponsors are getting no exposure for their investment. Driving an R5 would give at least something. And the race running cost of a WRC car is probably double the amount of an R5.

Dude..

Im talking financial exposure. running costs are not recoverable now. A 600k car is scrap, and running a R5 with no insurance has a further exposure of 400k.

[AnttiL]

Dude..

Im talking financial exposure. running costs are not recoverable now. A 600k car is scrap, and running a R5 with no insurance has a further exposure of 400k.

The car is not binned completely, it can be fixed with less cost than 600k...

[denkimi]

The car is not binned completely, it can be fixed with less cost than 600k...
What parts do you think can be reused?

Some small things perhaps. But even then only for customers and not for the factory cars, since they will never be able to guarantee their sturdiness again.

No, that car is a total write off. You can salvage perhaps a few grand on helmet nets, pencil holders and some elektrical buttons, but everything else will have had too much of an impact to use again.

[denkimi]

But this is effectively a 'customer' entry. That car will have gone nowhere without insurance cover.
I believe Msport works like their own insurance company. I'm not sure, perhaps somebody knows better than me, but here's what i think:

Instead of letting their customers pay someone else 30.000€ or whatever for the insurance, they just charge those 30k to their customers and take the risk themselves.

Which usually makes them more money since they produce all the parts and cars are rarely a total write off. Just because they ask 10 grand for some parts doesn't mean it costs them that much to build it.

Only in case of fire or a very hard crash like this, they lose money compared to when they would have external insurance.

[Barreis]

who would drive 750k€ car flatout through the Finnish forest with uninsured car?! are you drunk, guys? i miss NOT now

[wrc2017]

who would drive 750k€ car flatout through the Finnish forest with uninsured car?! are you drunk, guys? i miss NOT now

Lol.. the usual keyboard monkeys are demonstrating their intellectual inferiority

[EstWRC]

Paddons crash https://twitter.com/autosport/status/1155879732782743552?s=21

[mknight]

Looks like some seriously bad luck. Can't blame the driver.

That said it's not like the team bosses will hire him based on a hypotetical result.

[steve.mandzij]

Looks like some seriously bad luck. Can't blame the driver.

That said it's not like the team bosses will hire him based on a hypotetical result.The problem is precisely that he's got no team bosses to worry about because he was hiring the car. If he'd been signed on to M-Sport like Evans or Suninen it'd be a different story and his future would be much more certain.

But like Ligato in Argentina some years back this was a one-off that will never happen, and he might never get another chance unless a team bites the bullet and gets him onboard based off of... What exactly?

[Allez Andruet]

What parts do you think can be reused?

Some small things perhaps. But even then only for customers and not for the factory cars, since they will never be able to guarantee their sturdiness again.

No, that car is a total write off. You can salvage perhaps a few grand on helmet nets, pencil holders and some elektrical buttons, but everything else will have had too much of an impact to use again.

I think after Hirvonen's Fiesta burned in Sardegna 2014 Wilson himself said that it was the only way to "destroy" a modern rally car. That no matter how badly you'd crash it, most of the parts could still be reused.

Not claiming to be an expert on this, but it would require a huge impact and forces to affect the actual resistance values of a material.

[denkimi]

I think after Hirvonen's Fiesta burned in Sardegna 2014 Wilson himself said that it was the only way to "destroy" a modern rally car. That no matter how badly you'd crash it, most of the parts could still be reused.

Not claiming to be an expert on this, but it would require a huge impact and forces to affect the actual resistance values of a material.
As i said, which parts would you consider reliable enough to reuse for your official team? Which 100 of even 1000€ part is worth risking a dnf or even another crash?

Nothing from the engine, nothing from the transmission, nothing from the suspension, nothing from the bodywork, nothing from the safety features like foam, seats, harnesses, fire extinguisher, fuel tank or fuel pump.
Most likely not even the bodyshell.

Not much remains.

Back in the old days they would refurbish parts and sell them to privateers. But since the new wrc era there are no privateers anymore to sell those cheaper parts.

[Rallyper]

it reminds me of Lukyanuk and his test before Rally Finland, also M-Sport but old generation of Fiesta

That was not half way as catastrophic as this one...

[Tarmop]

That was not half way as catastrophic as this one...

Umh, same outcome, a brand-new chassis was written off and he didn`t start the rally. Looks pretty similar also.
https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--QFyZJWVl--/c_scale,f_auto,fl_progressive,q_80,w_800/1362761927912700008.jpg

[Rallyper]

Umh, same outcome, a brand-new chassis was written off and he didn`t start the rally. Looks pretty similar also.
https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--QFyZJWVl--/c_scale,f_auto,fl_progressive,q_80,w_800/1362761927912700008.jpg

Similar crash, but this happened to a way more fast and established WRC driver. So result/outcome much more devastating for everyone except maybe for drivers...

[Allez Andruet]

As i said, which parts would you consider reliable enough to reuse for your official team? Which 100 of even 1000€ part is worth risking a dnf or even another crash?
And as I said, I don't claim to be an expert on this. This (https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/june/wilson-cost/page/1464--12-12-.html) was the article with Wilson's comments I was referring to.

[dimviii]

Umh, same outcome, a brand-new chassis was written off and he didn`t start the rally. Looks pretty similar also.
https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--QFyZJWVl--/c_scale,f_auto,fl_progressive,q_80,w_800/1362761927912700008.jpg

much ''better'' condition.The expensive parts are in the front

[dimviii]

As i said, which parts would you consider reliable enough to reuse for your official team? Which 100 of even 1000€ part is worth risking a dnf or even another crash?

Nothing from the engine, nothing from the transmission, nothing from the suspension, nothing from the bodywork, nothing from the safety features like foam, seats, harnesses, fire extinguisher, fuel tank or fuel pump.
Most likely not even the bodyshell.

Not much remains.
.

engine and transmission why? they will be inspected/rebuild .Electrical parts like fuel pumps/wiring/sensors will be tested if they are ok.Also some mechanicals parts,like calipers,exhausts,turbo,manifolds,springs from suspensions etc.
M sport has the ability and the equipment to check them properly.
there are plenty of spares that can save even from such a crash.And they are not cheap.

[dimviii]

wrc.com: The damage to the sump guard demonstrated the speed you’d hit the rock…
HP: It was the biggest crash I’ve had, certainly the one with the highest speed. When we got out of the car, the sump guard is actually split in half. The rock we hit is still there with a load of aluminium on it.

https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/july-2019/paddon-video/page/6532--12-12-.html

[COD]

Janpro team has one ready for the rally. Sure it is entered for a privateer, but if enough cash would have exchanged hands, it might have been doable..

[denkimi]

engine and transmission why? they will be inspected/rebuild .Electrical parts like fuel pumps/wiring/sensors will be tested if they are ok.Also some mechanicals parts,like calipers,exhausts,turbo,manifolds,springs from suspensions etc.
M sport has the ability and the equipment to check them properly.
there are plenty of spares that can save even from such a crash.And they are not cheap.
do you believe they would take the risk to ruin another rally by using parts that might have undetected failures in them?

just because a fuel pump works fine now, doesn't mean she could break within a few kilometers of special stage. just because the wiring seems fine now, doesn't mean it cant be damaged and start doing faulty things when exposed to heat and shocks.
would you drive a car flatout if you knew that the calipers and springs from that crash are on them? i wouldn't.

metal fatigue and overstressing are weird stuff to calculate. that's why the factory teams replace pretty much everything every service/rally. not because it's broken, but to be sure it isn't going to break untill the next service.

of course it could be that they will reuse those parts, but i find it hard to believe.

[dimviii]

do you believe they would take the risk to ruin another rally by using parts that might have undetected failures in them?

i didnt talk about undetected failures,i said about stripping detecting and saving parts.M sport have the equipment to do that.
Same procedure goes for the NEW ones.


just because a fuel pump works fine now, doesn't mean she could break within a few kilometers of special stage.

same applies for a new one that hadnt ever a crash.


just because the wiring seems fine now, doesn't mean it cant be damaged and start doing faulty things when exposed to heat and shocks.
would you drive a car flatout if you knew that the calipers and springs from that crash are on them? i wouldn't.
wiring will be checked from the same guy that PRODUCE them by hand.
Malcolm will not sent to wastebasket a wiring loom that costs some 6-7-8k euro,because car had a crash.
Same for calipers.There are spares,there are given tolerances from manufacturer,there are x rays that they will inspect something that a human eye cant detect.
And yes if they are inspected ,i havent got any problem to drive this car.


metal fatigue and overstressing are weird stuff to calculate. that's why the factory teams replace pretty much everything every service/rally. not because it's broken, but to be sure it isn't going to break untill the next service.

of course it could be that they will reuse those parts, but i find it hard to believe.

you really think that all these crashes we have seen from wrc/r5 cars,that all these spare parts went to waste basket,because fatigue and overstressing is difficult to calculate?
No way.

[pantealex]

Even TGR which has much bigger budget is fixing used parts (bumbers, spoilers etc. so quite cheap parts)

[Rallyper]

Good answers Dimitri.

[GravelBen]

But like Ligato in Argentina some years back this was a one-off that will never happen, and he might never get another chance unless a team bites the bullet and gets him onboard based off of... What exactly?

Based off his previous results, WRC win and multiple podiums etc. Its not like he's some unproven new driver!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Paddons crash https://twitter.com/autosport/status/1155879732782743552?s=21

Can anyone see the big rock in the middle of the road ? I just see a small one on the extreme right...

[GravelBen]

Can anyone see the big rock in the middle of the road ? I just see a small one on the extreme right...

Hard to see any detail with that video quality, but they said the rock was big enough to split the sump guard in half so it obviously wasn't that small. Incredibly unlucky really, no way to avoid that. Gutted for him.

[CahunaKiwi]

Crap quality image taken from the video, but this appears to be the rock:

1808

Edit: and here's a picture of the sumpguard, you can see how big the gouge is from the rock.

1809

[Barreis]

rock or not, he was too quick also

[Portimao]

rock or not, he was too quick also

It was a flat corner, what did you expect?

[CahunaKiwi]

rock or not, he was too quick also

It's no use testing the car by going at 3/4 speed, you need to be going as hard as you would in the rally proper to test how the car will react at the limit. He had also done multiple passes over the road already during the day, including this very corner, without incident. The corner seemed pretty unremarkable by Finland standards - there was nothing in the video that indicated the car was out of control (or was at risk of losing control) until it hit the rock.

These things happen.

[GravelBen]

rock or not, he was too quick also

Do you think testing should be done at recce speed? What rubbish.

[steve.mandzij]

Based off his previous results, WRC win and multiple podiums etc. Its not like he's some unproven new driver!Yeah, true, but that was already a couple years ago; when your most recent headline at an international level is a massive testing accident and you're not linked to any team I bet it's much more difficult to get a drive.

I really hope he gets another chance but his sponsors have blown off heaps of cash to get him back into the WRC, only for it to end in a DNS.

[GravelBen]

Yeah, true, but that was already a couple years ago; when your most recent headline at an international level is a massive testing accident and you're not linked to any team I bet it's much more difficult to get a drive.

I really hope he gets another chance but his sponsors have blown off heaps of cash to get him back into the WRC, only for it to end in a DNS.

His win was a couple of years ago you're right, but last years results were good - from only doing 7 rounds he placed in the top 5 on 5 of them, on the podium twice (and one crash trying to avoid a rock on the line while leading Portugal).

I think anybody with the experience to be making decisions for a WRC team would be well aware that this crash wasn't his fault, so it shouldn't be much of a factor.

There is obviously a lot of positivity between him and M-Sport at the moment anyway which is good to see. I guess time will tell.

[cali]

do you believe they would take the risk to ruin another rally by using parts that might have undetected failures in them?

just because a fuel pump works fine now, doesn't mean she could break within a few kilometers of special stage. just because the wiring seems fine now, doesn't mean it cant be damaged and start doing faulty things when exposed to heat and shocks.
would you drive a car flatout if you knew that the calipers and springs from that crash are on them? i wouldn't.

metal fatigue and overstressing are weird stuff to calculate. that's why the factory teams replace pretty much everything every service/rally. not because it's broken, but to be sure it isn't going to break untill the next service.

of course it could be that they will reuse those parts, but i find it hard to believe.You can blabber here behind your keyboard but mark my word that this car is soon doing some rallying again. No way this car is a write-off. This is a reality check for you.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

[wrc2017]

You can blabber here behind your keyboard but mark my word that this car is soon doing some rallying again. No way this car is a write-off. This is a reality check for you.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

yes, but if Msport labour rate is €100/hr.. it will be the price of the car to fix. Your also assuming the drive train (gearbox, diff), or engine block is not damaged.

[denkimi]

you really think that all these crashes we have seen from wrc/r5 cars,that all these spare parts went to waste basket,because fatigue and overstressing is difficult to calculate?
No way.
In case of a factory team challenging for the championship win? Yes.
If they sent those parts to the waste basket after 300 and often far less kilometers of special stage, why would they keep them after a hard crash?

Its been a while, but i believe this is still very relevant today:
http://wrcbehindthestages.blogspot.com/2011/04/chapter-4-boom-there-goes-your-rally.html?m=1

But then again, i don't work at the workshop at msport, so i don't know how tight their budget is and how much they recycle.


You can blabber here behind your keyboard but mark my word that this car is soon doing some rallying again. No way this car is a write-off. This is a reality check for you.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk
Where you born as an asshole or did you have to go to school to become one?

You could very well be right that they will repair that car. I don't believe it, but i haven't seen it in person so i can't really tell.

[Barreis]

It was a flat corner, what did you expect?

not to destroy the car in PET and top 5 finish at rally

[rallyfiend]

do you believe they would take the risk to ruin another rally by using parts that might have undetected failures in them?

just because a fuel pump works fine now, doesn't mean she could break within a few kilometers of special stage. just because the wiring seems fine now, doesn't mean it cant be damaged and start doing faulty things when exposed to heat and shocks.
would you drive a car flatout if you knew that the calipers and springs from that crash are on them? i wouldn't.

metal fatigue and overstressing are weird stuff to calculate. that's why the factory teams replace pretty much everything every service/rally. not because it's broken, but to be sure it isn't going to break untill the next service.

of course it could be that they will reuse those parts, but i find it hard to believe.

There's a big difference between 'replace everything every service' and 'put different parts on'.

The parts they take off aren't thrown in the bin, they're checked, refurbished, 'lifed' and then used again....

There will be a huge amount of parts from Hayden's crashed car that will go through this process and be used on a car again. Including the car itself: it will just go through a reshell process.

[Maui J.]

Such a bummer for Hayden. So gutted for him and John plus all their financial supporters.
It's going to difficult to bounce back from this, even though it seemed to be just a freak accident.
Was really looking forward as to what Hayden could do on this rally. I'll guess we'll never know.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Anyone criticising Paddon's speed on a PET need to to remember that these cars need to be driven at full speed for the aero to work properly.

[wrc2017]

Anyone criticising Paddon's speed on a PET need to to remember that these cars need to be driven at full speed for the aero to work properly.

Maybe.. But with all the effort, at such short notice, the was no contingency. A proper 2 day test in a test car would have been better. But hey.. Better to have tried, than not to try at all.

[aykutbilir]

Paddon is not the first top class driver crashed on PET. Sometimes s*hit happens. Sorry for him getting chance return to WRC.


Tapatalk kullanarak iPhone araclyla gönderildi

[AnttiL]

New GoPro video https://www.facebook.com/haydenpaddonwrc/videos/358212821516213/

[leighton323]

New GoPro video https://www.facebook.com/haydenpaddonwrc/videos/358212821516213/

The side GoPro falls off from the impact of the rock. Must have been a big impact on the sump whilst the car was nearly at full compression.

[rhm]

You can see a gouge in the sump guard in the pictures of the car on its side

https://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?33488-Hayden-Paddon&p=1224534&viewfull=1#post1224534

[mknight]

Am I the only one who thinks it's strange MSport don't have a contingency plan and can't get a new car to Finland in 2 days?

I mean when they accept the risk of testing on Monday they should have a car ready either in Finland (how much space does it take to have an extra shell with you?) or at least in GB and ready to fly in or even drive?

Can it be related to how much he pays?

Btw. afaik if the only had 2 cars and this happened to one of them I think they could get penalties/exclusion by FIA for not taking part with 2 cars on all rounds.

[Allez Andruet]

Am I the only one who thinks it's strange MSport don't have a contingency plan and can't get a new car to Finland in 2 days?

I mean when they accept the risk of testing on Monday they should have a car ready either in Finland (how much space does it take to have an extra shell with you?) or at least in GB and ready to fly in or even drive?

Had it happened to Ogier last year (who ofcourse would not have tested with his race car on Monday), the plane carrying a new Fiesta would have landed in Helsinki on Tuesday. But air freight is incredibly expensive, so it's understandable that the same option isn't there for Paddon.

[dimviii]

I mean when they accept the risk of testing on Monday they should have a car ready either in Finland .

the risk was at Paddons side,not Msport.
Msport will be paid.

[mknight]

the risk was at Paddons side,not Msport.
Msport will be paid.

The point is if he paid more, either upfront or after the crash, would he get a new car? I think so.

[dimviii]

yes if he could pay, he could drive with new car.

[janvanvurpa]

Had it happened to Ogier last year (who ofcourse would not have tested with his race car on Monday), the plane carrying a new Fiesta would have landed in Helsinki on Tuesday. But air freight is incredibly expensive, so it's understandable that the same option isn't there for Paddon.


Maybe he could start a G0-Fund-Me campaign???

[steve.mandzij]

Maybe he could start a G0-Fund-Me campaign???I bet he wouldn't make enough for an R1 Fiesta with that.

[mknight]

There was a crowdfunding campaign for R. Kresta at the end of 2004/start of 2005 to buy him a seat for Monte Carlo. In the end he got sponsors that paid the whole year at MSport.

[janvanvurpa]

I bet he wouldn't make enough for an R1 Fiesta with that.

I was of course being sarcastic and mainly poking fun at the number of wannabe beginner rally-fools in the US who want to parly their driving their Subarus (always Blue) in a grassy field 3 times into a "career" at "professional rally racing"...

I like Paddon and his enthusiasm and loyalty to his NZ sponsors and supporters and its just a damn shame that the entire sport has become such a "high-finance" dependent sport so much like other types of car racing..Budget budget budget...
Such a s shame....

[Tarmop]

His comments are more positive every day. Perhaps there is hope, even this season.

[mknight]

His comments are more positive every day. Perhaps there is hope, even this season.

Money is one thing... opportunity another.

If he shows up in Australia all seats might already be taken, probably even by GB time. So Turkey might be the only chance.

[Rally Power]

I like Paddon and his enthusiasm and loyalty to his NZ sponsors and supporters and its just a damn shame that the entire sport has become such a "high-finance" dependent sport so much like other types of car racing..Budget budget budget...
Such a s shame....

Yep, it's a shame but Paddon situation didn't started with a budget issue; it started with a weird choice from Hyundai management. With Paddon available and used to the car and the team why have they chosen to bring a new driver, which probably will spend the entire event trying to get used to a new car? Hard to figure out...

[GravelBen]

The point is if he paid more, either upfront or after the crash, would he get a new car? I think so.

No, he and M-Sport said in interviews afterwards that the reason for doing the test in his event car was because the deal to drive came together quite late to plan for the rally, and they just didn't have another car ready/available for testing or as a replacement. Time was the limitation in this case not money.

M-Sport said that even if they did have another car at the workshop ready to go it would take 3.5 days for them to get it there and it wouldn't arrive in time. Millener sounded almost as frustrated as Paddon that they couldn't repair or replace the car in time for the rally.

[GravelBen]

Money is one thing... opportunity another.

If he shows up in Australia all seats might already be taken, probably even by GB time. So Turkey might be the only chance.

I don't know, you're talking like he is some new driver who has to do a rally to prove his speed but that isn't the case. They already know he is fast.

While a good result in Finland obviously would have helped his status, even with the testing accident he has put the message out there that he is on the market and available to drive for anyone now, not just on-call for Hyundai like he was before.

[mknight]

No, he and M-Sport said in interviews afterwards that the reason for doing the test in his event car was because the deal to drive came together quite late to plan for the rally, and they just didn't have another car ready/available for testing or as a replacement. Time was the limitation in this case not money.

M-Sport said that even if they did have another car at the workshop ready to go it would take 3.5 days for them to get it there and it wouldn't arrive in time. Millener sounded almost as frustrated as Paddon that they couldn't repair or replace the car in time for the rally.


That is the part that I find extremely hard to believe.... taking 3,5 days to get a car from GB to Finland if money is almost not a problem. Heck just driving it by truck takes some 30 hours and all you need is a truck and 2 drivers.

-------------------------------


I don't know, you're talking like he is some new driver who has to do a rally to prove his speed but that isn't the case. They already know he is fast.

While a good result in Finland obviously would have helped his status, even with the testing accident he has put the message out there that he is on the market and available to drive for anyone now, not just on-call for Hyundai like he was before.

He has not done a rally with decent competition since Australia and last year only did 6 gravel rallies that typically suit him. He needs to show himself and since he bought the start in Finland it looks like he thinks so too.

I don't see how any team would hire him for fulltime season including tarmac rounds based on the situation right now. Hyundai is about the only team who would be interested in part-time drive and doesn't look like an option atm. Citroen said that they don't want drivers for part-season, Toyota will have enough with part time for Katsuta and probably Rovanpera. MSport will want budget.

[Zeakiwi2]

Paddon might have one shot left at the wrc, if he is lucky.

Without Paddon there the WRC is more 'ERC 'plus with all European crews.

-----------------------------
Hyundai is number 3 on the Australian sales tally. Hyundai misses a chunk of the market share by not having a ute/ pickup line to compete with the Toyota, Ford, Holden, Nissan, Isuzu etc product lines.
Might Paddon have a tilt at the Aus Rally Championship in the future? (he is trying one round this year)

Beijing Hyundai is a JV between Hyundai and BAIC in China (4 factories?) making 1.8 million cars a year. by extension China is about to allow the export of used cars.
Might Paddon's possible Hyundai pathway be as an Asia Pacific marketer of the new tech cars and brand awareness for the mega amount of used cars in the dirt road asia countries.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beijing_Hyundai
https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2019-07-27/china-is-set-to-conquer-global-used-car-export-market

[melaniepss]

Thanks to him we will see unbelievable passages in the future.

[Portimao]

I asked Richard Millener about a scale of damage of Paddon's Fiesta. He was kind to answer.

https://i.imgur.com/s71GW6i.jpg

[Andre Oliveira]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/145309/paddon-targeting-msport-deal-after-finland-crash

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/145309/paddon-targeting-msport-deal-after-finland-crash

For those without access:

World Rally Championship exile Hayden Paddon is working on a deal to land a seat in an M-Sport Ford Fiesta WRC before the end of the 2019 season.

Paddon's planned WRC return with M-Sport at Rally Finland collapsed after a heavy testing crash three days before the start, and M-Sport confirmed the driver was blameless in the crash.

The ex-Hyundai WRC driver then flew home from Finland before the rally had begun to line up meetings with investors.

Paddon continues to work with M-Sport to try to get back into the Fiesta.

"Even though we knew there was no chance of doing anything on the rally, John [Kennard, co-driver] and I had planned to do the recce, but then there was the chance to sit down with people at home to talk through the options, so I had to jump on the plane," said Paddon.

"I don't think I can manage [the backing I had for] Finland, but I'm working flat-out to put a package together.

"I will drive anywhere, on any rally for the rest of the year. I just want the opportunity to show what I can do.

"Even though I only worked with those guys for a short time, it was clear to see the ambition and the ability within the team. And, I have to say, the Fiesta felt fantastic from the first kilometre.

"I'll do whatever it takes to be there. I got close in Finland, and it hurt really bad that it ended the way it did. That's not going to be the end of my time in the WRC.

"I've still got a lot of years left in me and, as I said before Finland, I honestly believe I've never driven better or been in better shape than I am right now."


M-Sport team principal Richard Millener said his outfit was keen to find a way to get Paddon back in the team.

"We want to help Hayden," said Millener. "We were massively disappointed for him last week, and we want to see him in the car.

"I was really impressed with the effort he put in, and the work he did ahead of the event to bring the deal together in such a short time.

"But the simple fact is that we need some more budget to be able to get him back in the car again."

[Rally Power]

Fingers crossed for Paddon. He totally deserves another chance.

[Zeakiwi2]

Paddon doing a livestream announcement midday 12pm 20/8/2019 nz standard time

He showed a pic of the front quarter of a white car in the livestream announcement.

Edit - Announcements were 1) Paddon's biography - chapter one.

2a Hyundai Kona electric rally car (ap4+) - Paddon aiming for noise and torque.
sponsors/ co-operation. Hyundai NZ, Yes Electric Power - nz , Stard- austria, Motorsport NZ - nz fia body, Canterbury University-NZ - Engineering department.
2b Mention of the other programs/ events TCR, Rallysprint/ Hillclimb car,

3)Paddon WRC news in a few weeks. (my guess would be with M-Sport in Australia)

https://nzmotorracing.co.nz/2019/08/20/hayden-paddon-develops-world-first-electric-rally-car-with-hyundai-nz/?fbclid=IwAR3T3JkbpVElcUr4nU-fMdaqS_mMicn_oCRO2BHO_HOZkRomr-5vR7413M4

pic of model of ev kona
https://www.velocitynews.co.nz/news/hayden-paddon-to-build-groundbreaking-all-electric-hyundai-kona-rally-car

The media event/ vid
https://youtu.be/s9ZbpP5VSbs

[Zeakiwi2]

Paddon - Driven episode 2

https://youtu.be/gRzR2v900H4

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Meet the Hyundai Kona that’s an 800bhp electric rally car. WRC driver Hayden Paddon is working on a ‘spectacular sounding’ EV racer → https://t.co/9ip8gNE6SR

[mousti]

Hayden Paddon will do Wales Rally GB with Fiesta R5 and Australia with Fiesta WRC..

https://www.facebook.com/184390891596708/posts/2360259064009869/

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONEPLUS A6013 met Tapatalk

[swanny]

WRC2 Pro for GB
WRC in Oz
https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/september-2019/paddon-australia/page/6641--12-12-.html

Not the sort of thing that will get him a seat unfortunately (as he proved with 2nd last year)

[EstWRC]

But awesome news anyway!

i wonder what are Rallypers thoughts now about Wilsons marketing strategy for the R5?

and he could be quite a joker in Australia if the title fight will be decided there.

[AnttiL]

Not the sort of thing that will get him a seat unfortunately (as he proved with 2nd last year)

You could say Hyundai favored Loeb over Paddon, and Loeb managed to win Catalunya.

Hopefully the contracts are not sealed before Australia. It seems they're drifting later and later.

[Allez Andruet]

So, Hyundai to lose the manu battle in Australia due to Paddon being ahead of Sordo/Breen/Mikkelsen in a Fiesta?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great news for Paddon and us #MSporters ! :)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EDxBKKnVUAEms0i?format=jpg&name=900x900

Hayden Paddon
@JKCoDriver and I looking forward to some decent seat time and enjoying events we are familiar with. Big thanks to M-Sport, HNZ and supporters for making this happen.

[deephouse]

I wouldn't care if I would be in his position. He is probably without contract also for next year so he just need to drive for himself (I mean don't care about their little showdown)

[mknight]

Obviously it's a bit late. The most crucial outing wil actually be in the R5 in GB. If he is (clearly) faster than Rovanpera, Østberg and possibly also both Solbergs that might get some team interested. If he isn't I am not sure even a podium or win in Australia will help much. (See Mikkelsen 2016)

[meh]

I wonder how big was discount for Paddon from M-Sport because "just you need to prove that R5 MK2 is good"?

[doubled1978]

I may have missed it, but has Greensmith been confirmed in a WRC car for Wales? I know it was talked about a lot as his other outing in the original plan. Would be cool to have 4 Fiestas running if he is..

[T16]

I may have missed it, but has Greensmith been confirmed in a WRC car for Wales? I know it was talked about a lot as his other outing in the original plan. Would be cool to have 4 Fiestas running if he is..
Five.. Tidemand is in one too.

[AnttiL]

Five.. Tidemand is in one too.

1 Evans
2 Suninen
3 Tidemand
4 Greensmith?
5 ???

I haven't heard anything about Greensmith doing Wales in a WRC car. M-Sport could also have plans to win the WRC2Pro manufacturer's title.

[T16]

1 Evans
2 Suninen
3 Tidemand
4 Greensmith?
5 ???

I haven't heard anything about Greensmith doing Wales in a WRC car. M-Sport could also have plans to win the WRC2Pro manufacturer's title.

Sorry... I misread that Paddon is in WRC car in Wales!

[mknight]

I wonder how big was discount for Paddon from M-Sport because "just you need to prove that R5 MK2 is good"?

As it looks now it is possible he could even drive for free or get paid for that. (But obviously in the total package with WRC in Aus. he surely is paying)

[Mk2 RS2000]

https://www.penguin.co.nz/books/driven-my-story-9780143774037

For those who have not yet been able to get their hands on a copy of Hayden's book, here is a link that you might find handy. For sure the book is a good read and quite informative.

Currently the top selling new book release in NZ

[doubled1978]

As it looks now it is possible he could even drive for free or get paid for that. (But obviously in the total package with WRC in Aus. he surely is paying)

That’s what I was thinking, that MSport would ‘use’ him for the R5 run in Wales, and ‘charge’ for the WRC run in Australia. Would make sense if Greensmith isn’t driving the R5 in Wales.

[bomber21]

https://www.penguin.co.nz/books/driven-my-story-9780143774037

For those who have not yet been able to get their hands on a copy of Hayden's book, here is a link that you might find handy. For sure the book is a good read and quite informative.

Currently the top selling new book release in NZ
They must find a way to make it available worldwide.

[Franky]

They must find a way to make it available worldwide.

Here you go - https://www.amazon.com/Hayden-Paddon-Driven-ebook/dp/B07RZXLJ6S/ref=sr_1_1?keywords="Driven%3A+My+Story"&qid=1567857392&s=gateway&sr=8-1

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hayden Paddon
Our weapon for this weekend’s Ashley Forest Rallysprint. The team have done an amazing job with the car and we can’t wait to tackle the hill. More power + more aero = a lot of fun !

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EEuFLo8WsAIvFvT?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EEuFLo7X4AA10BM?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

[GravelBen]

Hayden Paddon
Our weapon for this weekend’s Ashley Forest Rallysprint. The team have done an amazing job with the car and we can’t wait to tackle the hill. More power + more aero = a lot of fun !

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EEuFLo8WsAIvFvT?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EEuFLo7X4AA10BM?format=jpg&name=4096x4096


Its a weapon alright... he was speaking at my local car club prizegiving on Saturday night and said it had just done 850hp on the dyno. Hopefully the oil filter stays attached this year!

[GravelBen]

Footage from his new record run: https://www.facebook.com/crcmotorsport/videos/660095264483068/UzpfSTE4NDM5MDg5MTU5NjcwODoyMzk0ODc4MDkwNTQ3OTY2/?sk=h_chr

Unfortunately a part they needed for the 850hp engine didn't arrive in time so it was running the ~500hp engine instead. Still not exactly slow mind you.

[Fredouye]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190930/b7203e5f290129fe13fb538cf6fce12a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190930/be235e16abb93828cdf5e89ac5aabdc1.jpg

[AnttiL]

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/motorsport/hayden-paddon-concedes-wrc-career-all-but-over-after-rally-australia-cancelled

Looking bleak right now, a lot of funding was gathered for these two outings, with nothing to show for the team bosses.

[Allez Andruet]

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/motorsport/hayden-paddon-concedes-wrc-career-all-but-over-after-rally-australia-cancelled

Looking bleak right now, a lot of funding was gathered for these two outings, with nothing to show for the team bosses.

Such a shame this. I guess in force majeure situations (like the one in Australia) none of the costs are returned to the consignee. Which is understandable ofcourse, but so damn unlucky on Paddon's part.

[Tarmop]

Well, the fiesta doesn't do any SS km , so there are no spares, tires, fuel and rebuild needed. I think m-sport won't charge him for that.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Not being able to show what he can do in a WRC car again is the biggest disappointment.

I really hope M-Sport give him a chance in 2020 if/when Evans leaves.

[EstWRC]

that article was really sad to read...he has always seemed to me "never give up" dude but readin that article i feel even he has now given up.

i really hope M-sport give another chance to him, so unfair.

[AnttiL]

Well, the fiesta doesn't do any SS km , so there are no spares, tires, fuel and rebuild needed. I think m-sport won't charge him for that.

Of course not for those, but the car was shipped to the other side of the globe along with parts and mechanics.

[denkimi]

Of course not for those, but the car was shipped to the other side of the globe along with parts and mechanics.
But that should be a limited cost in the grand sceme of things. You can probably ship the car and its parts in a container to australia for the price of a new bumper.
The extra mechanics seem the biggest cost to me, but you probably can't even rebuild an engine for that money.

Still sad for paddon, so much wasted money. I hope he has more chances next yeat.

[mknight]

Not being able to show what he can do in a WRC car again is the biggest disappointment.

I really hope M-Sport give him a chance in 2020 if/when Evans leaves.

Last year at this time Paddon just finished 2nd in Australia and was 3rd in Turkey. Nobody picked him then. Most notably MSport didn't, even though Evans had a horrible season.

Since then, apparat from local rallies, he crashed on pre-Finland test, went off road in GB only scoring 2 fastest R5 times and didn't start in AU.
How is this more likely to get him a seat at the end of this year I wonder.

[meh]

Since then, apparat from local rallies, he crashed on pre-Finland test, went off road in GB only scoring 2 fastest R5 times and didn't start in AU.

To be correct "AU didn't start for Paddon" not "Paddon didn't start in AU".

[deephouse]

He was hoping for more outings or full season with Hyundai and get sacked. I think teams didn't pay attention at all since Ogier and Neuville was free. Meeke grabs a chance at Toyota, Citroen was only interested in Ogier and then Lappi, he was pretty good last year. M-Sport chose well proven recipe with Evans and Suninen and third payed car. Again Hyundai didn't want him since there was Mikkelsen, Sordo and Loeb. What would they do with Paddon?

He could have a chance if Evans really goes to Toyota and Mikkelsen doesn't show up in Fiesta. Paddon could drive for free there. And I think they will not run third car full season just for him (we all know that's renting car for one off's). Maybe a chance if Loeb retire again and Breen doesn't deliver. But that could come until 2021. Or are they are offering him NZ drive.

[GravelBen]

Last year at this time Paddon just finished 2nd in Australia and was 3rd in Turkey. Nobody picked him then. Most notably MSport didn't, even though Evans had a horrible season.

Since then, apparat from local rallies, he crashed on pre-Finland test, went off road in GB only scoring 2 fastest R5 times and didn't start in AU.
How is this more likely to get him a seat at the end of this year I wonder.

This time last year he was effectively only available to Hyundai, who were still screwing him around telling him they would give him more drives. So saying its notable that MSport didn't pick him makes no sense at all.

Everyone knows the Finland testing crash wasn't his fault, but you're right that it prevented him from showing a result.

[mknight]

This time last year he was effectively only available to Hyundai, who were still screwing him around telling him they would give him more drives. So saying its notable that MSport didn't pick him makes no sense at all.


You think that if MSport came and asked if he wants to drive for them instead of Evans or as a 3rd car he would say no and that he wants to hope for more rallies at Hyundai? I doubt that.
Don't see how he wasn't "available" to them as he had no contract, just hope.
MSPORT money making policy is another matter though.

[deephouse]

They don't just chase people, except if his surname is Ogier or lately Tanak. People come to them

[er88]

Real shame for him and it's amplified by hearing him sound so defeatist now (but you can understand why).

I just dont know why Msport wouldn't run him or Mikkelsen (no wage), even in just a few rallies if they do lose Evans. But it sounds like he must have already been told he has no chance with them, unless he brings the cash...

[GravelBen]

You think that if MSport came and asked if he wants to drive for them instead of Evans or as a 3rd car he would say no and that he wants to hope for more rallies at Hyundai? I doubt that.
Don't see how he wasn't "available" to them as he had no contract, just hope.
MSPORT money making policy is another matter though.

That was well before Hyundai NZ had said they were happy for him to drive for a different WRC team without compromising his long-term relationship with them in NZ, and while there was no contract it wasn't just 'hope' either, from what I've heard Hyundai WRC made him a lot of promises that they never followed through on.

MSport do seem to sabotage their own potential by taking less capable pay-drivers over fast, experienced drivers who are available but can't afford to (and shouldn't have to) buy drives. If they do lose Evans to Toyota then Paddon, Mikkelsen and Suninen would be a pretty strong team of available drivers who won't pay but probably won't cost too much either - but more likely they will take Suninen, Greensmith paying (I'm not saying he doesn't have potential, but he isn't a contender yet) and a third car swapping between other pay drivers.

A month or two ago Paddon was trying to put together a half season with MSport for next year, but maybe that has fallen through. It could be that Aus being cancelled = no return on investment for his sponsors that were paying for that round = not enough funding to make an MSport deal happen for next year.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I'm a fan of Paddon and do feel for him, but I think he was really trying to have his cake and eat it.

With his rally business there and connection with Hyundai NZ, he was trying to keep that AND have a full-time WRC drive in a European-based team.

I'm afraid to have the latter he needed to cut his NZ links and move to Europe and go all-in on WRC.

[Rallyper]

However Paddon is one of 5-6 fastest guys, and still quite young, so big failure from teams if they ignore him.

[Zeakiwi2]

Lots of nearly men in the wrc's history.(e.g Mikael Ericsson spelling?) Commercial sense / economics dictates who drives - preference for those with a big suitcase of cash.
Paddon will still have the electric rally car to develop back in NZ. Some form of rallycross probably in Europe - electric or gas.

Paddon also has the NZ TCR race circuit series so he is not short of machines to drive.

Even have his cross-kart out for a play soon.

[deephouse]

Rallying is his passion, ofcourse other disciplines are fun too but he live for rally and every damn driver dream about being in WRC squad. And he was there for few seasons, win an event over Ogier (I mean Ogier!!!). He & we believe that he didn't achieve everything that could be achieved by him, so that's why he wants to be there. After so much work he did, he really deserves it but motorsport is cruel to those who sit a yea. When suddenly 3 to 4 driver who drive entire season lost a seat, teams are looking at them first, so it's even harder. Cutting links to Hyundai NZ is stupid, just to trying to be back again. If they allow to drive other cars why not, if not then, so be it. I would say that I'll be aiming at WRC2. It's still quite good championship and could promote their car well and Hyundai (or other teams) could again pay attention to him. Just my opinion

[T16]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/147259/wrc-star-paddon-to-race-in-tcr

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Paddon 2020 programme

It’s going to be a busy year as we target 3 rally championships – New Zealand, Asia Pacific and Pacific Cup Championships. Our AP4 has had a freshen up with some new updates and an updated team livery to tackle the following rallies with both Samantha Gray and John Kennard .

March 7/8 – Ben Nevis Golden 1200 Hillclimb
April 3/5 – Rally Otago
May 8/10 – Rally Whangarei
June 20 – Rally South Canterbury
July 25 – Rally Hawkes Bay
September – Ashley Forest Rallysprint
October – Waimate 50
November 28/29 – Coffs Harbour Rally Australia

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EP9eceHU4AAEp0a?format=jpg&name=medium

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EP9exIyU0AIdddS?format=jpg&name=small

[the sniper]

It'll be insane if he doesn't do Rally New Zealand...

Every man and his dog is getting an R5 i20 nowadays. If Hyundai can't at least do him a favour and sort him one out for there, there really must be a terrible relationship between Adamo and Paddon.

[GravelBen]

I don't think there is really any relationship between Paddon and Adamo, Paddon was basically pushed out before Adamo arrived and Adamo doesn't seem to even want to know about him let alone consider him for a drive.

I've always got the impression Penasse doesn't like Paddon though - possibly related to Neuville not getting on with Paddon, and Penasse being a big Neuville supporter and fellow Belgian? When Paddon talked about promises being made and broken by the team I think it was Penasse rather than Adamo responsible.

[pantealex]

Official Hyundai NZ driver is using ex ex ex generation car ;)

[HKSjbg]

Yeah it’s mad they didn’t switch to the next gen i20 when it came out.

If I recall correctly the i20 wasn’t properly replaced by the new one in NZ, however the jacked-up version (I think called something like Active) of the new i20 does sell over there. An AP4 version of that would effectively be the same as an AP4 i20 5dr

[Winner]

It'll be insane if he doesn't do Rally New Zealand...

Every man and his dog is getting an R5 i20 nowadays. If Hyundai can't at least do him a favour and sort him one out for there, there really must be a terrible relationship between Adamo and Paddon.

I would say they would have no problem bringing over another R5 if he will pay for it. Unless he thinks he would not be quick enough in it.

He paid M-Sport for a world car last year and burned all his Hyundai motorsport bridges in the interviews before the first event.

[rallyfiend]

There is a lot of politics in that team.

I'm sure it's not helped that Paddon's former girlfriend is now married to the team PR manager, and there are questions and rumours as to the circumstances around that....

[GravelBen]

Former fiancee I think not just girlfriend?

[deephouse]

Former fiancee I think not just girlfriend?

If I would be him I would certainly go to the Japan and talk to Subaru bosses.

[Co-driven]

There is a lot of politics in that team.

I'm sure it's not helped that Paddon's former girlfriend is now married to the team PR manager, and there are questions and rumours as to the circumstances around that....

I've also heard those rumours before, and be it coincidence or not, his performance just went down after the "incident"...

[GravelBen]

I've also heard those rumours before, and be it coincidence or not, his performance just went down after the "incident"...

That was just one of the factors in his nightmare 2017 really. There was also the crash at Monte that killed a spectator (in a stupid place, but still not an easy thing to deal with and knocked his focus/confidence for a while), a few uncharacteristic mistakes and a car that had problems more often than not...

Then he was back to good form in 2018, but they dropped him anyway.

[AnttiL]

Then he was back to good form in 2018, but they dropped him anyway.

Good solid second-driver-form but not the rally-winning pace of 2016. Many believed him to be the dark horse of 2017, challenging Ogier for the title.

[Marcco]

Good solid second-driver-form but not the rally-winning pace of 2016. Many believed him to be the dark horse of 2017, challenging Ogier for the title.

It's a shame really, because I still believe he had/have rally winning pace. He was quick and consistent given his experience and quite clever with his approach. In other words, he was good "meat" for long-term success. But life is cruel :)

[steve.mandzij]

Good solid second-driver-form but not the rally-winning pace of 2016. Many believed him to be the dark horse of 2017, challenging Ogier for the title.After his victory he never quite reached those same heights. Right after Argentina he crashed in the next two rallies and set fire to the Portuguese forests (that time that Tanak went off at the same place in the Dmacks fiesta).

[Zeakiwi2]

Paddon with the body shell for the stard based - electric Hyundai Kona for nz experimental rallying.

https://www.themotorhood.com/themotorhood/2020/1/29/cant-stop-wont-stop-ev-build-breakdown-with-hayden-paddon?fbclid=IwAR1A-nRpirHE6esAa4EX-0vjCSm9Yf80kwyP0sde7eP8jjOBeRVz2dplkh8

[Zeakiwi2]

Vintage rally person's interview with Paddon, while their event was passing through Highlands Circuit.
Paddon's team readying car for NZ hill climb event etc, talks about limited seats in WRC etc.
12 mins.
https://www.facebook.com/EnduranceRallyAssociationEra/videos/938450269944576/

[Zeakiwi2]

Paddon and the Kona EV

https://themotorhood.com/themotorhood/2020/6/8/back-on-deck-ev-build-breakdown-with-hayden-paddon

[Mk2 RS2000]

Its here https://www.facebook.com/paddonrallysport/videos/690417595183994

[mknight]

Cheers to him for making that. Especially after the way Hyundai WRC team treated him last year.

Anyway he shows what should have been somewhat obvious to anyone thinking about EVs a bit longer than 5 seconds before saying they will be crap.

- EV rally car can look spectacular on a rally stage, it all depends on the power and electronic "aids" allowed
- EV rally car is not silent, certainly not on gravel

- The sound is different, some kind of sound generator both for spectator safety and to have a clearer idea what the driver is doing with throttle could be an improvement, the big question is if it should imitate petrol cars (somewhat silly) or be completely made up (weird and will take time to get used to).

Regarding battery use, even if it runs empty after one stage that's really only a secondary problem. Fast charging is now widely available (see Taycan) and would require limited changes to itineraries, battery swap as they plan might be even easier, certainly when rallies are run in the middle of nowhere.

[lluisva555]

Agree, very nice initiative from Paddon RallySport Group, together with Hyundai NZ and the University Canterbury Motorsport and all the other partners. To celebrate it, we reviewed the aero of the Kona EV rally car... hope you like it

https://www.wrcwings.tech/2020/11/12/aero-review-of-hayden-paddons-hyundai-kona-ev-rally-car/

[Zeakiwi2]

Paddon and NZ drivers - up soon for the Jack's Ridge Rallysprint for non-NZ viewers supposed to be streamed on the Repco Australia website www.repco.com.au (sometimes the Australian companies use their youtube and facebook options for livestreams as well or for back up options) from 12am Sunday UK time? (Sunday 1pm NZ summer time)

[Mk2 RS2000]

Further information available from the Rally NZ website and Facebook page This venue was built by Andrew Hawkeswood on their property as a 6.5 km super special stage. The Rallysprint uses a loop of just over 2 in within the venue

[KiwiWRCfan]

For everyone outside New Zealand you can watch 4 hours live stream from the"Battle of Jacks Ridge" Coverage from 1pm NZ time ( 25 minutes after this post)
Competing vehicles from a range of motorsport disciplines. Top 32, top 16 .... knock out format
https://www.repco.com.au/en/repco-battle-of-jacks-ridge

[Zeakiwi2]

SVG for the win. Paddon dnf.

https://www.speedcafe.com/2020/11/15/van-gisbergen-wins-first-battle-of-jacks-ridge-on-debut/

[Tom K]

Paddon in opening round of ARC. Maybe more outings.

https://www.motorsport.com/rally/news/paddon-arc-opener-canberra-hyundai/4927806/?ic_source=home-page-widget&ic_medium=widget&ic_campaign=widget-1

[EstWRC]

Great to see the 2021 WRC season underway this week in Monte Carlo. While we have a lot of good things happening here in NZ, WRC is not a completely closed door just yet, with some discussions on-going in the background. Looking at both WRC and R5 opportunities. There are certainly a few challenges in the world at present that makes it a little more difficult, but have not given up yet!

https://www.facebook.com/haydenpaddonwrc/posts/3596196070416156

[Mk2 RS2000]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR32qDtF549PRH1rw4W4N4__Z2JVh5dkVrM MeFmkXxwa6ISR11dS7X1aBjQ&v=lFMwLKqYtMU&feature=youtu.be

Out for a skid.

[Mk2 RS2000]

https://www.facebook.com/donna.elder.5/videos/10226356276683378
Putting on a demonstration run at the NZ Gold Star Hillclimb Championship event

[Rally Hokkaido]

They have fitted a noise maker, it seems.

[Humber]

And the pov drone versus the Kona EV on the gravel hill climb.

https://www.facebook.com/haydenpaddonwrc/videos/241122807692141

[NickRally]

And the pov drone versus the Kona EV on the gravel hill climb.

https://www.facebook.com/haydenpaddonwrc/videos/241122807692141

I wonder how long before a drone is linked to each car at WRC events and in fact most likely carried/recharged by each car in between stages, released at the start of a stage and then brought back on board at stage end for the next cycle.

[kirungi okwogera]

I wonder how long before a drone is linked to each car at WRC events and in fact most likely carried/recharged by each car in between stages, released at the start of a stage and then brought back on board at stage end for the next cycle.

That video's great, and I like your idea. I do wonder when drone radio range, battery range and speed (in the case of fast rallies like Finland) will make that possible. I doubt you'd carry or charge it though. You'd only have time to switch out batteries/switch drones. While it'd be nice to watch, the cost starts to add up quickly - say ten top drivers get drones? So, what, two drones each, alternating on stages while the other is serviced/batteries switched. And you've got infrastructure and crew at the beginning and end of each stage to pilot, collect and service drones as well. You're basically running a POV drone rally...

[AnttiL]

WRC+ used to have a lot of drone action in 2017/2018 but they have disappeared since.

[EstWRC]

Paddon "realistic" over bleak WRC return prospect


Hayden Paddon says the prospect of him negotiating a works drive in the World Rally Championship is bleaker than ever.

Paddon "realistic" over bleak WRC return prospect
Paddon was forced out of the series at the end of 2018 after the Alzenau team signed nine-time WRC champion, Sebastien Loeb.

A programme had been tabled by then Hyundai Motorsport boss Michel Nandan but it was deemed too limited by Paddon.

Recent attempts by the New Zealander to plot a course back into the series have been stymied by a testing accident that prevented him from starting Rally Finland with M-Sport Ford two seasons ago.

The cancellation of Rally Australia later that same year due to bush fires was another setback for his aspirations, with plans to complete a four-rally programme in 2020 ended by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Paddon, the 2016 Rally Argentina winner, told Autosport the prospect of him successfully negotiating a drive in either the WRC or the WRC’s WRC2 support series between now and December was remote.


“To be honest, I would love to be back in the World Rally Championship – I would give anything to be back in the World Rally Championship – but I am also realistic," the 33-year-old said.

"We have been on the side lines for a while now and there’s several other young drivers coming through [the ranks].

“Negotiations with teams have somewhat stalled for now. The start of the season is always the busiest for teams.

"It’s only around mid-season that they start to think about the following year."

In between talking to teams to find a deal that works for both parties, Paddon has also been devoting a large amount of his time to developing an electric rally car based on Hyundai’s small Kona crossover.

He believes it is the future of the sport and reckons the technical know-how that he is learning in terms of packaging and performance could make him attractive in the role as a test and development driver.

From 2022, Rally1 cars will combine a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 100kW plug-in hybrid unit, with M-Sport Ford, Toyota Gazoo Racing and Hyundai Motorsport all busy behind the scenes.

“I would be really interested in a test role, and helping a team to develop their new hybrid systems, because I feel we are building our knowledge base quite well in that area at the moment,” said Paddon.

“I feel I could deliver [results] – but I’m not holding my breath.

“I still want to be involved, whether that is as a Rally1 driver, Rally2 driver or even just a test driver. I feel I still have a lot to offer.”


https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/paddon-realistic-over-bleak-wrc-return-prospect/5608691/

[NickRally]

That video's great, and I like your idea. I do wonder when drone radio range, battery range and speed (in the case of fast rallies like Finland) will make that possible. I doubt you'd carry or charge it though. You'd only have time to switch out batteries/switch drones. While it'd be nice to watch, the cost starts to add up quickly - say ten top drivers get drones? So, what, two drones each, alternating on stages while the other is serviced/batteries switched. And you've got infrastructure and crew at the beginning and end of each stage to pilot, collect and service drones as well. You're basically running a POV drone rally...

I suspect if that idea is to ever come to fruition, the whole process will have to be fully automated and there will be very little human intervention during a loop of stages, i.e, self guided drones, automated docking onto cars and so on. Talking about battery charging, if the power is there, they can be re-charged safely to full capacity within 5-10 minutes which is enough for most practical situations, while drone velocity does not have to be an object for a dedicated drone design.

[EstWRC]

THE ACE UP PADDON’S SLEEVE FOR WRC COMEBACK BID

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/the-ace-up-hayden-paddon-sleeve-for-wrc-comeback-goal/

[AnttiL]

In case someone already got excited, no, Paddon doesn't have any actual plans.

[Mirek]

I suspect if that idea is to ever come to fruition, the whole process will have to be fully automated and there will be very little human intervention during a loop of stages, i.e, self guided drones, automated docking onto cars and so on. Talking about battery charging, if the power is there, they can be re-charged safely to full capacity within 5-10 minutes which is enough for most practical situations, while drone velocity does not have to be an object for a dedicated drone design.

The major issue with drones is safety legislation. I don't know rules in other countries but I guess they are similar everywhere. In general they shall be flying in corridors where quite large distance from spectators is kept and where everyone inside the corridor (marshals for example) agreed in written form about the drones flying overhead. They must not fly over any crowd beyond visual line of sight of the pilot. Also if there are multiple high-speed flying drones over the couse of the stage there is a risk of collision which has to be addressed. I don't know if the commercial drones have some automatic collision avoidance system.

[the sniper]

The major issue with drones is safety legislation. I don't know rules in other countries but I guess they are similar everywhere. In general they shall be flying in corridors where quite large distance from spectators is kept and where everyone inside the corridor (marshals for example) agreed in written form about the drones flying overhead. They must not fly over any crowd beyond visual line of sight of the pilot. Also if there are multiple high-speed flying drones over the couse of the stage there is a risk of collision which has to be addressed. I don't know if the commercial drones have some automatic collision avoidance system.

On Rally GB Shakedown in Clocaenog a few years ago, the official WRC drone operator shouted to us surrounding spectators that he was required to ask, 'does anybody object to me using the drone, if so speak now...'. I'm not sure what the laws are here regarding it, but that didn't sound entirely legitimate. :D

[NickRally]

The major issue with drones is safety legislation. I don't know rules in other countries but I guess they are similar everywhere. In general they shall be flying in corridors where quite large distance from spectators is kept and where everyone inside the corridor (marshals for example) agreed in written form about the drones flying overhead. They must not fly over any crowd beyond visual line of sight of the pilot. Also if there are multiple high-speed flying drones over the couse of the stage there is a risk of collision which has to be addressed. I don't know if the commercial drones have some automatic collision avoidance system.

Yes, true, but on the commercial drones side apparently:

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/31/amazon-prime-now-drone-delivery-fleet-gets-faa-approval.html

https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Prime-Air/b?ie=UTF8&node=8037720011

[Mirek]

FAA holds no authority over any WRC country. At best we can say that it's a first attempt and it will take some time for the other countries to observe how it goes.

[NickRally]

No question, if it is to ever happen, it is some time away. Fingers crossed rallying still exists by then.

[Humber]

Paddon had the Hyundai Kona EV Rally car on display at the NZ Agricultural Show. (Also running a rally simulator in the Hyundai area)

Paddon's interview with the Show's online media staff.

https://www.fieldaysonline.co.nz/fieldays-tv/video-on-demand-2021 (bottom of page "Hyundai Kona EV Rallycar with Hayden Paddon")

Paddon also made it 3 wins from 3 starts in the NZ Rally championship at the South Canterbury Rally today.

[doubled1978]

On Rally GB Shakedown in Clocaenog a few years ago, the official WRC drone operator shouted to us surrounding spectators that he was required to ask, 'does anybody object to me using the drone, if so speak now...'. I'm not sure what the laws are here regarding it, but that didn't sound entirely legitimate. :D

Was that the same guy that flew it straight into the tree and wrecked it! I don’t remember him asking if anyone minded, but the crash was hilarious

[EstWRC]

WTF HAPPENED TO HAYDEN PADDON?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNgNMBuxEg4

[mknight]

WTF HAPPENED TO HAYDEN PADDON?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNgNMBuxEg4

First time I watched something from that channel.

+ I didn't actually remember Paddon started in GB 2019.

The start indeed wasn't impressive, slower than Greensmith in same car by quite a lot after 3 stages and crashing. Later it was okish, but not much wow.

- "Can't understand why Mikkelsen drove for Hyundai in 2019 and not Paddon"... Cause he had a 2 year contract while Paddons was ending, simple as that.
In the end it was Loeb who was hired "instead of" Paddon immediately. Kinda understandable since he is 9 times WC and most notably since he at that time just won Catalunya.
The more questionable point would be why Breen was called to drive Rally Finland 2019 and not Paddon.


- "Paddon will be hired by manu teams due to his EV experience once WRC goes full electric". Earliest WRC could go full electric is like 2025. Not because the technology isn't there, but because of at least a few years with current rules (I believe 3 years is minimum) that 3 manus already invested in. By that time it's highly unlikely they start calling Paddon.

[AnttiL]

https://twitter.com/HaydenPaddon/status/1430420730626199553?s=20


We had several attempts to be back again this year. Trying to fund a program on the other side of the world from NZ is so much harder. We are now working on some ideas for 2022 but taking a different approach.

[EstWRC]

Cool to see our livery in the new WRC10 game. We had several attempts to be back again this year, so not from a lack of trying. Trying to fund a program on the other side of the world from NZ is so much harder compared to European teams/drivers. Would have been very easy to give up by now, but that’s not an option. We are now working on some ideas for 2022 but taking a different approach. Let’s see what the next few months bring.


https://www.facebook.com/haydenpaddonwrc/posts/399026154912524