Paddon and Kennard prepped and ready for WRC Monte Carlo

New Zealand rally stars Hayden Paddon and John Kennard are as ready as they can be for their return to the top tier of world rallying, when Rally Monte Carlo gets underway on 22 January.

The opening round of the 2026 FIA World Rally Championship is notoriously unpredictable as crews tackle 339.15 km of twisty asphalt roads through the French Alps in winter conditions. Shrewd tyre selection to provide the best compromise for frequently changing conditions is important, as is an ability to ‘read’ potentially changeable conditions.

The Kiwis line up for Hyundai Motorsport in the team’s third Hyundai i20N Rally1 car and have been making the most of several opportunities to get familiar with this model, having never driven one until ten days ago.

Paddon says they’re both excited and nervous for the challenge that lies ahead.

“Monte is the most challenging event of the WRC, made even more challenging for us with learning a new car,” says Paddon.

“We have done a small amount of testing in the Hyundai i20N Rally1, initially in some very tricky and icy conditions, and subsequently, the longer test days – while not in the same conditions to Monte – gave us a good opportunity to learn more about the car.

“There is still a lot to learn, but first impressions are the Rally1 is quite different to cars we have been driving in recent years. It’s not just about the power; it’s the aero and how the car works with the chassis and the driveline. Even the seating position is unique. But I’m sure with some more seat time and adaption, we’ll continue to get more comfortable which puts us in a good place for the rally.”

It’s been a whirlwind of activity for Paddon and Kennard over the four weeks since it was announced they would contest selected WRC events in 2026 for Hyundai Motorsport and support the team’s goal of winning the manufacturer’s title alongside full-season drivers Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux.

Paddon says, “The team has been very welcoming and supportive to help us through the challenge ahead. Our role is very clear, to play a supporting role to Thierry and Adrian who will be fighting at the front, and ensuring we have a clean rally and focus on finishing which is easier said than done.

“John and I know we will not be so competitive speed-wise. Our role is to provide back-up, so if something happens the team still scores points. It’s a different approach compared to eight years ago. I’m very competitive, but I also know my role with the team for this event.”

The 2026 WRC season got underway with a season launch in Monaco on Saturday 17 January. Crews then started their reconnaissance of the 17 special stages on Sunday 18 January before the rally itself starts with three night stages on Thursday 22 January. The 2026 itinerary brings a fresh twist to the tradition. While the service park remains based in Gap to access the most reliable winter conditions, the Saturday evening itinerary includes a high-octane blast through the streets of Monaco, partially utilising the Formula 1 circuit layout. The rally concludes on Sunday with the legendary Col de Turini stage, serving as the Wolf Power Stage, where the cold atmosphere can linger late in the day. It is a rally where technical expertise, ice-note crews, and pure bravery coalesce to crown the season’s first winner.