GRC Europe
31 Jan 2019
Credit: Jaanus Ree/Red Bull Content Pool
Hayden Paddon will make a surprise move into rallycross this season after it was announced that he will take part in the new GRC Europe series.
The New Zealander was ousted from Hyundai’s World Rally Championship lineup at the start of this year following the signing of nine-time world champion Sebastien Loeb, but was retained by the Korean manufacturer. He will compete in the ‘GRC Titans’ category this season, racing a spec PanteraRX6 car with Hyundai bodywork.
“I have been in Rallying for a long time, so Rallycross is not completely new to me, but I will have to adapt to cars racing alongside me,” said Paddon. “GRC Europe will be a new challenge and I am looking forward to taking it on, joining the other drivers throughout the year and trying to be competitive.”
Paddon made his WRC debut in 2007, joining Hyundai’s factory effort in 2014. He won Rally Argentina in 2016 on his way to a career best finish of fourth in the points that season. In his last WRC outing in Australia last season (below), he finished second to Jari-Matti Latvala.
Credit: Jaanus Ree/Red Bull Content Pool
“We are delighted to have Hayden in our lineup now,” said GRC Europe CEO Max J. Pucher. “He has always been one of my favourite drivers with a unique style. He is exciting to watch, so I am sure, the fans will love him.”
GRC Europe is a new series for 2019 from some-time World Rallycross competitor Max Pucher and his MJP organisation. The series will have two classes, Supercars and Titans, with MJP developing the Titans vehicles. As many as 20 FIA-spec supercars are expected for the inaugural season, with 15 Titan entries also on the cards.
The series will also visit a number of historic rallycross venues, including Lydden Hill in the UK and Estering in Germany.
Peugeot World Rallycross stars Timmy and Kevin Hansen have also been confirmed for GRC Europe this season, along with ex-Formula 1 driver Alex Wurz, Topi Heikkinen (who won the original US-based GRC series in 2013), and paraplegic racer Reini Sampl.
Paddon has also said he is working on rally plans for 2019 in addition to his GRC Europe programme.
