It's with great privilege that we confirm a new 3-year contract with Hyundai Motorsport in the WRC. I think it was one of the worst kept secrets that we were continuing with the team, but to get a multi year deal is what we have been working hard for over the past two seasons.
It's amazing to have the security of the next few years - in which time we aim to be at the top. It also means the pressure of performing for a job is less and we can focus more on preparation, driving faster and achieving better results.
Some may say that with this contract that we 'have made it'. I can tell you it has been a HUGE journey to this point that hundreds of people have helped make it happen. And while this is a big step towards the ultimate goal - it is far from my expectations.
We will work even harder and not rest until we are winning - and not just me, the whole team.
It was a no brainer to continue with Hyundai Motorsport. Firstly, they had the faith in us to give us the opportunity to drive the 'unplanned' third car in 2014, and the whole team have helped me no ends to develop as a driver.
As a team we have gelled like a family and everyone of the 200 people in the factory are as dedicated to win. Rallying is a huge team sport and everyone's role is just as important as one another..... in fact I feel I'm lucky to have the most exciting job!
Since Australia it has been hugely busy, and I have only been home in Frankfurt for three days over the last six weeks. Since Corsica we had a good tarmac test in Spain to prepare for this weekend, then A LOT of fun sliding our i20 WRC car, putting on a show at the hugely popular Rally Legend in San Marino.
Last week we also spent two days development testing with next year’s car on the gravel, and while there is still a lot of work to do, the prospects are exciting!
If this week wasn't already exciting enough, we are now preparing for this weekend’s Rally Spain - an event I really enjoy and where we scored our first stage win last year. Again, with the gravel stages on Friday followed by two days on the tarmac, we will be targeting for a big push on the gravel to give us a better chance once we get to the tarmac.
As always we will keep you posted and you can follow all our progress via the quick links on our website - www.haydenpaddon.com
Thanks again everyone. Looking forward to sharing the highs, lows and hopefully triumphs with you over the coming years (apologies in advance if that could mean some more sleepless nights).
Regards
Hayden
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