[WRC] News & Rumours 2019

**Fast Eddie WRC** · 9th April 2019, 09:26

No-one will forget Paddon (or Breen).

But a lot can depend on funding. Even doing ERC rounds costs a fair amount and especially if they are island events. Østberg always has some backing from family and sponsors.

**Fast Eddie WRC** · 9th April 2019, 10:16

I see Østberg is about to do the Otago Rally in NZ in a Mk2 Escort. Long way to go for a Historic drive...

**AnttiL** · 9th April 2019, 10:41

Originally Posted by Fast Eddie WRC

I see Østberg is about to do the Otago Rally in NZ in a Mk2 Escort. Long way to go for a Historic drive...

He did that last year as well. Also remember rallies like this benefit from celebrity drivers participating.

**GravelBen** · 9th April 2019, 11:00

Mads is just one of a long list of famous drivers to have done the Otago Classic - Vatanen, Kankkunen, Mouton, Liatti and many more. They generally get a free drive for the publicity and with roads like this they're more than happy to come!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqx9cH_r9ig

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PScjE2GuZbw

**deephouse** · 9th April 2019, 15:02

Originally Posted by Allez Andruet

Just like Mikkelsen did in early 2017. Be around, do recces, have occasional outings in some R5 etc.

Mikkelsen had opportunity with Skoda and he got it because of their history and last employer (VAG). Then Citroen was in big trouble and they needed a guy and at that time he was only one available.

I still think Paddon is trying to come back, just maybe he need to look at other teams also (seems like Hyundai is not interested much in him anymore). I know he have strong connection with Hyundai NZ but there are also other brands out there. Proton will need a strong driver if they will ever decide to attack APRC, ERC or even WRC2. Maybe Skoda? What if they join anyway in future (hybrid tech), despite they sa otherwise. I don't know. His call.

**TypeR** · 9th April 2019, 15:20

If Paddon wants to get back to WRC car, he should be ,,on stage''.. at least driving WRC2 on several rallies. Doing his own stuff and staying touched to Hyundai NZ isn't helping much.. + he is almost stranger to Hyundais new boss..

**racerx1979** · 9th April 2019, 15:23

His loyality with Hyundai NZ is one thing, but obviously Hyundai WRC can give two sh!ts about him. Not sure why he's stuck on Hyundai... Better off being a Ford guy at this point. He will be let down once again when Hyundai fails to acknowledge him... I'm sure they can care less he just purchased a TCR... If they wanted him on the team he would be there. If you think about what they did it's pretty much a slap in his face.

His only hope is that Andreas has a complete horrid season... So far so good, but a long ways to go.

**PLuto** · 9th April 2019, 15:40

Problem for Hayden was that he was part of WRC Hyundai team mainly because of Hyundai NZ. He was good promotion for Australia and NZ teritory for Hyundai. Now, when he is out, there is a question if there is anyone else interested in him...