Paddon has performed well in Australia and is currently leading the local championship. Although the Australian series has kept the 38-year-old busy, he has occasionally managed to race in Europe too.
And a trip to Europe was on the cards again, as Paddon was very close to making a somewhat surprising return to the European Rally Championship.
Paddon was due to take part in the British round of the ERC at the beginning of September, the Rally Ceredigion, driving a Hyundai i20 N Rally2 for C&M Motorsport alongside the 2022 British Rally Champion, Osian Pryce.
“I love that rally – we’ve done it a couple of times and had some good success there,” Paddon told Dirtfish.
For a moment, Paddon’s participation looked certain, but in the end, the event had to be crossed off the calendar.
“It was pretty much all happening, but unfortunately it just fell over at the last minute, basically due to funding. So, just a sign of the times at the moment,” Paddon regretted.
However, Paddon still intends to travel to Britain, as he had already booked his flights. This time though, his role will not be to drive, but to help the C&M Motorsport team and enjoy the atmosphere. To him, that feels a little strange.
“I don’t make a great spectator! But in saying that, it’s just good to be over in Europe again – meeting with people and talking. Obviously we’re working on a few things for the future, so it’s good to just put ourselves in front of people and keep those discussions going,” Paddon reflected.
