Hyundai Motorsport announced today that the team will compete with two crews at Rally Croatia and will bring a special livery in memory of Craig Breen.
Craig Breen was killed in a testing accident on Thursday 13 April as he was preparing for his second outing of the season with Hyundai Motorsport. The accident took place near Lobor when his car went off the road and he hit a wooden pole with the front left end of his i20N. He died on the spot as it is speculated that the wooden pole hit him on the head while his co-driver, James Fulton, did not get injured.
The Irishman lost his life at the age of 33 years old and the motorsport community is very shocked by this news. His funeral will be held on Tuesday 18 April in Ireland and a number of his colleagues have already visited his family. As Rally Croatia will be this weekend, the Alzenau-based team decided to participate only with Thierry Neuville and Esapekka Lappi there meaning that Dani Sordo will not take Breen's place. In addition to that, the i20N Rally1 will carry a special livery for this event in remembrance of Breen who saw Hyundai, as his second chance to the championship after his split from M-Sport Ford at the end of 2022, while FIA decided to withdraw #42 for the rest of 2023.
"After careful consideration involving all stakeholders, we have decided to participate in Croatia Rally", Cyril Abiteboul said.
"We will do this in memory of Craig, to honour him, his passion for rallying and his competitive spirit.
"We will enter two cars and withdraw the third entry as a mark of respect.
"Both cars will run with a special livery for Craig, his family, friends and fans. It is clear from speaking to everyone that the best way to honour Craig’s legacy was not to withdraw our entry, so we participate mindful of our lost team-mate, friend and incredible competitor".
Photo Credits: Hyundai
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