Silly Season 2026

[deephouse]

Are we talking to Munster or Paddon here for wrecking his career? Paddon doesn't really having anything to lose, since he isn't in WRC for many years already. Also he is in Hyundai, just not internationaly. Tell me one driver who is more loyal to the manufacturer than Paddon is to Hyundai (even when brand isn't really supporting him, but like to brag about his achievements). He is only supported by Hyundai NZ as I know.

If Hyundai is serious about (which I highly doubt) for next year titles, they should decide soon and put the guy/guys in third car immediately, because it will be very hard as Monte will be here very soon.

[denkimi]

I don't understand why people still talk about paddon. he has no more relevant experience in the wrc. he hasn't done any of the wrc rallys in 8 years, he hasn't driven a top car since then.
he's out, and he's not going to come back.

[skarderud]

It was'nt paddon in my mind, more some young ones, not one particular.
But, if hyundai just need 1 driver for 1 year with ties to them, who can deliver somewhat ok, stable results, paddon is the one.
Sordo is not interested in full time driving, maybe 1 or 2 rallies.

Or hyundai can call mikkelsen or lappi for the seat.

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[deephouse]

He himself explicit says he is considering building his own team for WRC27 rules. If that will not happen, who the hell could stop him from renting or buying some car and running privately and try competing at highest level. The cars will be way more accesible than now. I do personaly have doubts he would be up to speed immediately with this Rally1 cars if he would be re-hired for 2026, but he have enough experience with previous generation of WRC cars, while Gryazin, Rossel combo doesn't have any. He is just amongst those who knows team and have some experience (Mikkelsen, Lappi, Sordo, Suninen). No one of those have any experience with Rally1-hybridless i20 which is by the way even more weird, unpredictable and unreliable car. I don't know if that car could beat 2017 version WRC car, but I think it's not far away either.

People still talk about him, because he is very active still and it's a shame that his talent isn't reconsidered again. From last time he drove in WRC he have many trophies collected and is practicaly one of the few who could actually win with i20 Rally2 car. And if Hyundai is really considering running rally2 car in 2027, who else could get them great results?

[trykmann]

What do you guys think? Is it possible that Tänak still might do a few gravel events with Hyundai? For example Estonia or Finland with a good starting position?

If Hyundai is really focusing on the manufacturers title, then this might be a solution.

["Username"]

Why going back voluntarily into a torture chamber named Hyundai again?

[deephouse]

I don't see a point neither why he stuck with brand for so long. He could swtich, don't know to Toyota maybe and I bet they would take care of him better.

[wyler]

I don't understand why people still talk about paddon. he has no more relevant experience in the wrc. he hasn't done any of the wrc rallys in 8 years, he hasn't driven a top car since then.
he's out, and he's not going to come back.

still, he was one of the most consistent rally2 drivers in the past few years in europe, with better results than most of the "youngsters" rumored (including gryazin).

[trykmann]

Why going back voluntarily into a torture chamber named Hyundai again?

The car wasn't that bad on gravel, good starting position, favorite rallies and enough €€€.

[TypeR]

He was offered millions and he turned it down, it must have been that bad and not worth driving over the sensible risk..

Going back just to remember why he left would be quite harsh