New Zealand rally stars Hayden Paddon and John Kennard have secured a standout third-place finish at the Croatia Rally, marking Paddon’s first World Rally Championship podium since 2018.

Competing in only their second WRC start this year with Hyundai, and their first time contesting Rally Croatia, the result is a significant milestone for the experienced Kiwi pairing.

A rally that demanded discipline

The Croatia Rally is widely regarded as one of the most challenging tarmac events in the championship. Narrow roads, low grip surfaces, and constant changes in conditions tested every crew from the opening stage.

Loose stones and dirt were dragged onto the racing line early, leading to punctures and crashes across the field. Several top drivers failed to finish.

Paddon and Kennard took a measured approach. Rather than chasing outright pace, their focus remained on reading the conditions, managing risk, and completing every stage cleanly.

Paddon later reflected that the weekend required a smart and technical drive, built on experience and decision-making rather than raw speed.

Building the result across the weekend

Starting ninth on the road for Friday’s opening stages, the pair faced some of the worst conditions. Despite this, they worked into fourth place by the end of the day as others ran into trouble.

Saturday brought further challenges, including a puncture on the rally’s longest stage. While time was lost, they maintained a strong margin over fifth place and held position heading into the final day.

Throughout the rally, the strategy remained consistent. Stay within range of the lead pace and bring the car home.

Final stage drama reshapes the podium

Heading into Sunday’s final stages, Paddon and Kennard were set to finish fourth. However, the rally took a dramatic turn on the final stage.

Hyundai teammate Thierry Neuville, who had been leading, crashed just kilometres from the finish after losing control and hitting a concrete block. The incident forced him out of contention and reshaped the podium.

Japan’s Takamoto Katsuta claimed victory, followed by Sami Pajari in second, with Paddon promoted to third and finishing as the top Hyundai driver.

Paddon described the result as bittersweet, acknowledging the team effort behind the scenes and the disappointment of seeing a teammate lose the win so late.

A milestone result for the Kiwi pairing

This podium is Paddon’s first in the WRC since Rally Australia in 2018 and his strongest result on a tarmac rally at this level.

It also marks another chapter in his long-standing partnership with Kennard, with the pair continuing to perform together after more than 20 years in the sport.

From limited starts this season, Paddon now sits 11th in the championship standings, underlining his ability to compete with full-time factory drivers.

Experience proves the difference

In a rally where many pushed too hard and paid the price, Paddon and Kennard’s approach stood out.

Their focus on driving to the conditions, managing tyre wear, and avoiding mistakes allowed them to stay in contention while others fell away.

It is a result built on experience, patience, and execution.

Looking ahead to Japan

Paddon’s next World Rally Championship appearance is scheduled for Rally Japan, running from 28 to 31 May.

The event presents another demanding tarmac challenge, with technical roads and changing grip levels similar to Croatia. Based on this result, Paddon and Kennard head into Japan with confidence and clear