Craig Breen has passed away after crashing in a pre-Croatia FIA WRC rally weekend’s test programme, with co-driver unharmed.
Hyundai confirmed the sad news of the passing of Breen, aged 33-years, in a crash during WRC Rally Croatia’s test run. The Korean manufacturer did not convey how and the extent of injuries suffered as they requested for privacy at the time of mourning.
Hyundai, however, noted Breen’s co-driver James Fulton to be unharmed in the accident. Reports from the scene stated that his car collided with a pole on the road between Stari Golubovac and Lobora just after noon on Thursday.
The Irishman was returning to the i20 cockpit for next weekend’s Rally Croatia replacing Dani Sordo. He earlier took part in Rally Sweden where he finished second. In a long standing career which started in 2009, Breen has raced for several teams, with nine podium finishes against his name in WRC.
Statement from Hyundai Motorsport pic.twitter.com/GLNXbphVQW
— hmsgofficial (@HMSGOfficial) April 13, 2023
Meanwhile, the FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, stated: “On behalf of the FIA, I extend sincere condolences to the family & friends of Craig Breen following his passing during a private testing accident. Our thoughts & prayers are with his loved ones & the Rally community at this difficult time.”
At the same time, WRC relayed: “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.”
— TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT (@TGR_WRC) April 13, 2023
https://twitter.com/ValtteriBottas/status/1646510215334965248?s=20
https://twitter.com/alex_wurz/status/1646508276383723521?s=20
We have lost a member of the Citroën Racing Family. Rest In Peace @Craig_Breen
Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, fans and the @HMSGOfficial Team. https://t.co/oUxxpFSpVd pic.twitter.com/yduox2N1BT— Citroën Racing (@CitroenRacing) April 13, 2023
I can’t believe I’m writing this now. Life can be so fragile and unfair… I can’t believe we’ve lost you mate! Just we’ve been texting and another moment you’re not answering anymore, I’ll miss you buddy so bad, so so bad… pic.twitter.com/tkwyBnNvb8
— Ott Tänak (@OttTanak) April 13, 2023
He was embedded in the world of rally at every level of the sport we all love, and we send our heartfelt condolences to all his friends and family. (2/2)
— M-Sport (@MSportLtd) April 13, 2023
I’m lost for words… Everyone loved Craig for his great Irish character and his enthusiasm for our sport. My thoughts are with his family and friends in this very sad time. RIP Craig, we will miss you pic.twitter.com/shIP75rUw6
— Sébastien Ogier (@SebOgier) April 13, 2023
More to come
From everyone at FormulaRapida.net, we pass on our condolences
