The incident occurred just after midday during a team test on Croatia’s roads in preparation for their second outing of the year. WRC and Hyundai Motorsport confirmed that co-driver James Fulton was unharmed but Craig Breen had sadly lost his life in the accident.
The 33-year-old was well known for his charisma and enthusiasm, grabbing people’s attention with his quick wit but winning the hearts of rally fans with his outgoing personality.
“On behalf of the FIA, I extend sincere condolences to the family and friends of Craig Breen following his passing during a private testing accident”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and the Rally community at this difficult time.”
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA
Tributes to Craig Breen have flooded social media, Hyundai teammate and close friend Thierry Neuville shared a message:
“Today I’ve lost a team-mate but more than anything, I’ve lost a friend. Craig, your passion for rallying was immeasurable, your joy behind the steering wheel was beyond any of ours, your emotional stage end comments were in a league of their own.”
“All this will stay deep in my memories. I will miss you! Rest easy my friend.”
Thierry Neuville
Breen’s Journey To WRC
Craig was a massive fan of rally racing as a child and he fought through the ranks to make his WRC debut, collecting plenty of silverware along the way. Craig Breen would make 82 WRC starts, claiming nine podiums and 30 WRC stage wins.
He initially began racing go-karts in his early years before making the switch to rallying in 2007. Craig quickly made a name for himself and by 2009 had won Fiesta Sporting Trophy titles in the International, British and Irish sectors before being crowned Ireland’s Young Driver of the Year.
After sweeping the lower categories, Craig stepped into the FIA Junior World Rally Championship (previously known as the WRC Academy). Once again, he made quick work of the series and was crowned champion in 2011.
This proved to be a springboard for his career and he went on to finish the European Rally Championship in third in 2013 and 2014, and runners-up in 2015.
It wasn’t until 2016 that Craig Breen made his childhood dream a reality and became a WRC factory driver with Citroën. That year, he finished third at Rally Finland in only his third start on the WRC grid.
He would go on to score many second and third places with three different teams (Citroën, Ford and Hyundai) but his Irish heritage was always a massive part in his motorsport journey. Craig would often compete in local Irish rallies and supported many young drivers from Ireland.
“Life and this sport can be cruel sometimes. That is the case today. For your loved ones and for the family of WRC and motorsport. Rest in peace Craig.”
Sébastien Loeb
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Image Courtesy of: WRC