Irish rally driver Craig Breen killed in testing accident
Irish World Rally Championship driver Craig Breen has died following a crash in a pre-event test in Croatia.
Craig Breen, a Waterford native who was once crowned Ireland’s Young Driver of the Year, was aged just 33 at the time of his passing.
Breen and countryman James Fulton were taking part in the exercise on asphalt roads in Croatia to get up to speed for the fourth round of the World Rally Championship next weekend.
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It is understood the pair left the road in their Hyundai i20 N Rally1 car around midday and collided with a pole.
The injuries sustained by 33-year-old Breen following the incident proved fatal. Fulton did not suffer significant injuries in the collision.
The crash is being investigated by the team and the Croatian authorities, with the police confirming a fatal accident on that stretch of road at 12.40pm local time.
In a short statement, Hyundai said: “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.
“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.”