Hyundai Motorsport driver Craig Breen has been killed in a testing accident ahead of the World Rally Championship Rally Croatia.
It is thought that the 33-year-old Irishman’s Hyundai i20 N Rally 1 car crashed on the Rally Croatia course shortly after midday local time. In a statement, the 33-year-old Irishman’s Hyundai Motorsport team said they were ‘deeply saddened to confirm that driver Craig Breen today [Thursday] lost his life following an accident during the pre-event test for Croatia Rally,’ adding: ‘Hyundai Motorsport sends its sincerest condolences to Craig’s family, friends and his many fans.’ Breen’s co-driver, James Fulton, was unharmed in the incident.
Breen had been scheduled to drive Hyundai Motorsport’s third car on a part-time basis in the WRC this year. The upcoming fourth round in Croatia was due to be his second outing of the season. His first this year came at the second round in Sweden, where he scored an impressive 2nd place, the sixth of his career.
Son of Irish rallying champion Ray, Craig Breen was born and raised in the city of Waterford. Beginning his motorsport journey in karting, Breen graduated into rallying in 2009. He would win the 2011 WRC Academy Cup and the Super 2000 WRC series the following year. He would also finished 3rd in the final standings of the European Rally Championship in both 2013 and 2014.
Tributes
‘Craig was a world-class driver and a world-class person’ – Aiden Harper, President of Motorsport Ireland.
‘The WRC family is shocked and saddened to learn of Craig Breen’s passing. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of Craig at this incredibly sad time’ – WRC via Twitter.
‘Rest in peace Craig. My thoughts are tonight with your family and friends’ – Kalle Rovanpera, 2022 WRC Champion.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and the Rally community at this difficult time’ – Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA.
More from LWOS Motorsport here
