Irish rally driver Craig Breen has tragically passed away during a test run for an upcoming World Rally Championship event in Croatia. Breen had been preparing for his second appearance of the year in the WRC, having previously finished second in the Sweden leg of the competition while driving a Hyundai i20 N Rally1. Although he did not have a complete calendar for the WRC 2023, Breen had joined the Team Hyundai Portugal, where he was a teammate with Ricardo Teodósio. Earlier this year, Breen participated in the Serras de Fafe round of the Portuguese Rally Championship, where he competed in an i20 N Rally 2 and secured sixth place overall, as well as the title of best Portuguese driver. More recently, he was forced to retire early from the Algarve round of the same championship due to an accident, placing him fourth in the standings behind Miguel Correia, Ricardo Teodósio, and José Pedro Fontes. On the global stage, Breen was ranked sixth with 19 points in the WRC. He first competed in the championship back in 2009 in the Rally of Portugal, and since then, he had participated in 81 events with Peugeot, Citroën, M-Sport Ford, or Hyundai, earning 8 podium finishes and 30 special stage victories. The details of the accident that caused Breen’s death are still unclear, but according to eyewitness reports, his car collided violently with a wooden post, causing severe damage to the left front side of the vehicle. Breen passed away instantly, while his navigator, James Fulton, did not suffer any injuries. Breen’s death has sent shockwaves through the rally community, as he was known for his skill, passion, and professionalism behind the wheel. The Irishman was widely respected for his tenacity and talent, with many people in the sport mourning his passing. In a statement, Hyundai expressed their sorrow at Breen’s death, describing him as a “great competitor and sportsman” who embodied the spirit of rally racing. The company also extended its condolences to Breen’s family and friends. The WRC community has also paid tribute to Breen, with drivers and fans alike taking to social media to express their shock and grief. Many people have hailed Breen as a “fantastic driver” and a “true ambassador” for the sport of rally racing. The exact causes of Breen’s accident are still under investigation, and the rally community will be keen to learn from any lessons that can be taken from this tragedy. Safety is always a top priority in any motorsport, and the loss of a talented driver like Breen is a stark reminder of the dangers involved. Ultimately, though, Breen’s legacy will be one of passion, commitment, and skill. He was a true ambassador for the sport of rally racing, and his presence on the track will be sorely missed. As the WRC and international rallying community come to terms with his passing, they will undoubtedly remember Breen as one of the greatest drivers of his generation.
