Breen died during his pre-event test for Rally Croatia

Craig Breen died today during his preparations for Rally Croatia which will be held next weekend. 

Hyundai Motorsport scheduled tests for its three drivers this week with Esapekka Lappi and Thierry Neuville having already completed their tests with the i20N Rally1, so it was Breen's turn to get behind the wheel of the Korean car. However, he went off the road resulting in hitting a wooden pole with the front left end of his car and eventually dying on the spot while his co-driver, James Fulton, is unhurt. The incident happened at 12:40 local time in Lobor while the test was settled on the section between Stari Golubovac and Lobor.

Craig Breen was born on 2 February  1990 and started his WRC career in 2014 when he drove a Ford Fiesta RS WRC in Sweden and Finland. Since then, he has driven for Citroen, M-Sport Ford and Hyundai which was his final team in World Rally Championship. He secured a partial programme with the Alzenau-based team for this year and it was expected that Rally Croatia would be his second outing with the i20N for 2023.

"Hyundai Motorsport is deeply saddened to confirm that driver Craig Breen today lost his life following an accident during the pre-event test for Croatia Rally", Hyundai's statement said.

 "Co-driver James Fulton was unharmed in the incident that occurred just after midday local time.

 "Hyundai Motorsport sends its sincerest condolences to Craig’s family, friends and his many fans.

 "Hyundai Motorsport will make no further comment at this time".

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends!

Photo Credits: Hyundai