Hayden Paddon and John Kennard will contest the 2026 WRC Croatia Rally in April, joining Hyundai’s Motorsport teammates Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux. The fourth round of the 2026 World Rally Championship will take place from 9-12 April 2026.
“Can’t wait to be back in the Hyundai Rally1 for Croatia Rally in a few weeks’ time,” said Paddon. “Already feeling a hundred times more ready heading into a more traditional tarmac event.
This milestone fifth edition marks a major shift as the rally moves to western Croatia, covering the regions of Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Istria, Karlovac and Lika-Senj county, with 51 crews representing 23 nations.
In the top-tier WRC Rally1 category, nine elite crews will compete. Championship leader Elfyn Evans (Toyota) arrives in Croatia at the top of the standings, closely followed by rising star Oliver Solberg (Toyota), already a winner this season in Monte Carlo, and Takamoto Katsuta (Toyota), fresh from victory at the Safari Rally Kenya.
Hyundai’s challenge will be led by experienced drivers Thierry Neuville, Adrien Fourmaux and Hayden Paddon, while M-Sport Ford’s Joshua McErlean and Jon Armstrong, along with Sami Pajari (Toyota), will also be targeting podium finishes.
“The only downside is it clashes with the 50th anniversary of Rally Otago, one of our favourite events,” said Paddon. “While we won’t be there in person, Paddon Rally Group will still be well represented with six cars running.”
Croatia represents the first asphalt round of the season after the snow of Sweden and the gravel of Kenya, which could significantly shake up the standings.
“Monte was about getting back in the game – now it’s time to build the speed and confidence. John and I can’t wait!”
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