Rally driver dies age 33 after accident in testing

Rally driver Craig Breen dies aged 33 after an accident in testing ahead of the Croatia Rally with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem offering his ‘thoughts and prayers’ to the Irishman’s family and friends

  • Craig Breen won 30 rally stages in an 81-race career dating back to 2009
  • The Waterford-native succumbed to injuries sustained in a testing on Thursday
  • He came second in the Sweden Rally in his only other WRC showing this season 

Irish rally driver Craig Breen has died following an accident in testing for the Croatia Rally.

The 33-year-old, who competed for Hyundai, succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash on Thursday. His co-driver James Fulton was unharmed.

Waterford-native Breen was the son of a former Irish champion Ray, and competed in 81 total races since his first back in 2009, winning 30 stages.

A statement from his team read: ‘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.

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

Craig Breen has died at the age of 33 following an accident in testing for the Croatia Rally

The Irish driver was the winner of 30 stages in a career dating back to 2009 when he made his first appearance

‘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.’

After beginning his career in karting, he made the transition to rallying in 2009, joining the WRC academy two years later before making his debut WRC appearance for the Abu Dhabi Total World Rallying team, driving select rounds.

He also received tribute from current champion Kalle Rovanpera, who wrote: ‘Rest in peace Craig. My thoughts are tonight with your family and friends.’

A statement from the WRC said: ‘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.’

The 33-year-old was alternating in the third Hyundai car alongside Dani Sordo for the current WRC season

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem paid tribute to Breen, extending his condolences to the Irishman’s ‘loved ones’

He was set to make his second WRC appearance of the season in Croatia after finishing an impressive second at the Rally Sweden in February, behind Estonian driver Ott Tanak. 

The 33-year-old was alternating in the third Hyundai car alongside Dani Sordo for 2023.  

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, a former rally driver, said: ‘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 in Croatia.

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and the rally community at this difficult time.’

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