Irish rally driver Craig Breen is no more. The prominent driver passed away in testing for the Croatia Rally.
The Waterford native competed part-time in the Hyundai team in the World Rally Championship (WRC). He was also the 2012 WRC Super 2000 world rally champion.
The 2011 WRC Academy champion has been active in the field for decades. The rally driver accumulated significant fame and fortune during his long and remarkable career.
Craig Breen’s death news has shocked the entire sports world. It is heartbreaking to learn that such a talented youth died in an accident.
Let’s take a detailed look at the circumstances of the late athlete’s demise.
Craig Breen Death Cause: World Rally Driver Killed In Crash- Accident Details
Craig Breen was killed in an accident in Croatia. The World Rally Championship team broke the shocking news on Thursday (13 April 2023).
The 33-year-old rally driver’s unexpected death news has sent a shockwave to the entire sports industry. The fatal accident reportedly occurred at 11 pm (Irish time) during the pre-event test for Croatia Rally.
Confirming the tragic death, the World Rally Championship team wrote on social media, “Hyundai Motorsport is extremely saddened to inform the public that the Irish driver Craig Breen died in today’s accident during the Croatia Rally pre-event test.”
The Hyundai Motorsport refrained from making any further comment.
In his first season-opening WRC start, Breen came in second to Ott Tanak at the Rally Sweden in February.
The World Rally Championship also expressed sorrow and paid tribute to the 2012 WRC Super 2000 world rally champion.
They said, “The WRC family is shocked and devastated to learn about Craig Breen’s death. Our prayers go out to Craig’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Breen had amassed a string of podium finishes over the years and had established himself as a popular character on the circuit.
Current WRC champion Kalle Rovanpera was among those who paid tribute to Breen, saying, “Rest in peace, Craig. Tonight, my thoughts are with his bereaved family.”
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem also extended condolences to the late driver’s family and friends.
“Our prayers are with his loved ones and the rally community at this difficult time,” stated FIA President Jean Todt.
Aiden Harper, head of Motorsport Ireland, stated that the Irish motorsport community has been “numbed by this tragic news.” “Craig was a world-class driver and person,” he continued.
Craig Breen Family
Ray Breen, an Irish rallying national champion, is the father of Craig Breen. In 1999, Craig started karting in Ireland.
He started rallying in 2007, and in 2008, he combined it with karting commitments throughout Europe.
He switched to rallying full-time in 2009 and won all three championships while competing in the Irish, British, and International Fiesta Sporting Trophies.
He was also given a 12-month contract with M-Sport and the Fiesta Sport Trophy International Shootout.
Breen won the Billy Coleman Award and was named the Young Irish Rally Driver of the Year for his accomplishments. His latest win was in the Killarney Historic rally in November 2021.
James Fulton replaced Breen’s longtime co-driver Paul Nagle before the 2022 Rally Spain. Paul Nagle had announced his retirement.
Breen transferred from M-Sport to Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT for the 2023 World Rally Championship. Before Craig’s untimely death, Fulton co-drove for Breen on Rally Sweden, where the two finished on the podium.
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