Irish rally driver Craig Breen Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Irish World Rally Championship driver Craig Breen has died in an accident at a pre-event test before this weekend's Croatia Rally.
The 33-year-old's Hyundai Motorsport team confirmed that the Waterford man had been involved in the incident on Thursday.
Breen's co-driver James Fulton was unharmed in the accident.
"Hyundai Motorsport sends its sincerest condolences to Craig's family, friends and his many fans," the team said.
Breen had rejoined Hyundai on a part-time basis for the new WRC season having spent a year with the M-Sport Ford World Rally team.
He finished second to Ott Tanak at Rally Sweden in February in his first WRC start of the season, in what was his sixth runner-up position in a WRC rally.
Breen was alternating in Hyundai's third car with Spaniard Dani Sordo this year and was scheduled to make his second appearance of the WRC season in Croatia.
The WRC said on Twitter: "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."
Craig Breen competing in Rally NZ 2022 Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Breen, whose father Ray was an Irish champion, began his racing career in karting before moving into full-time rallying in 2009.
He moved to the WRC Academy in 2011 and after moving up the junior and WRC2 ranks made his first WRC appearance when driving selected rounds for the Abu Dhabi Total World Rally team.
Current WRC champion Kalle Rovanpera was one of those paying tribute to Breen: "Rest in peace Craig. My thoughts are tonight with your family and friends."
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed condolences to the family and friends of the late driver.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and the Rally community at this difficult time," said the FIA president.
Motorsport Ireland president Aiden Harper said that the Irish motorsport community had been left "numbed by this tragic news".
"Craig was a world-class driver and a world-class person," he said.
A Motorsport Ireland statement added that Breen never forgot his Irish roots and was continually affording opportunities to those wishing to pursue a career in rallying.
"As recently as last Tuesday, he attended a J1000 tuition day where 18 young drivers got to meet and learn from their hero," continued the statement.
-BBC