Craig Breen reflects on his relationship with Paul Nagle throughout all the years of their partnership and is being grateful for what they have achieved together.
Paul Nagle announced his retirement from WRC earlier this week and Rally Spain will be his last event alongside Breen as he wants to give seat time to the last one's new co-driver before the new season starts.
Gareth Roberts had been Breen's co-driver for four years, but the first one died in a fatal accident they had during Targa Florio of 2012, so Nagle navigated the Irish driver for the rest of that year. They continued their cooperation for one more year as Nagle joined Kris Meeke in 2014 for four seasons.
After Nagle's split from Meeke, he became Breen's co-driver again in 2019 and ever since they have achieved six podiums in World Rally Championship.
"Most of you will have seen the other day that Paul has decided to call time on his career in the WRC after Rally Spain this year", Breen said.
"I have to say, even though it’s been something I’ve known for a while now, it still feels strange thinking this next event will be our last together at this level..
"Paul and I have worked on an off now for 10 years.
"He was the one that took on one of the most difficult tasks in getting me back on my feet after loosing Jaffa, a role that went above an beyond his call of duty.
"We went on our separate ways for a few years before joining back up in 2019 in Eyre Square in Galway, right back near the bottom ring of the ladder.
"The last couple of years have been amazing, 6 podiums in the WRC until now, the Irish Tarmac Championship, 2 Sanremo Rally victories, a win in Ypres plus many more.
"But above all on a sporting side, Paul has been like a brother to me throughout.
"We’ve shared so many highs and lows, both inside and outside the car, and I’ve enjoyed every second of it.
"This will not be the end of the story for us you can be sure.
"As you all well know, I have a love of historic events and Paul will be most certainly at my side whenever those take place, we remain the absolute best of friends.
"Thanks for everything you have done for me in our time together Paul, let’s try and make this last one a special one".
Photo Credits: M-Sport
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