Breen was set to pilot the team’s third car at the asphalt event which would have marked his second WRC outing of the year after rejoining the South Korean marque as a part-time driver for the 2023 season.
The 33-year-old Irishman succumbed to injuries sustained in a crash during a pre-event test for the asphalt rally last Thursday. Breen’s co-driver James Fulton was unharmed.
Hyundai has announced that it won’t field its third i20 N this weekend out of respect and instead will run cars for full-time drivers Thierry Neuville and Esapekka Lappi only.
The decision to participate was reached after careful consideration, which included discussions with Breen’s family, his co-driver Fulton, and Hyundai Motorsport’s crews and team members.
Prior to the crash last week, Dani Sordo had been confirmed as the driver for Hyundai’s third car for the following round in Portugal in May.
Hyundai will run a special livery on its cars to honour Breen. It is widely expected that the WRC and all Rally1 and Rally2 teams will pay tribute with special liveries at this weekend’s rally.
“After careful consideration involving all stakeholders, we have decided to participate in Croatia Rally,” said team principal Cyril Abiteboul.
“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.”
Craig Breen, Hyundai World Rally Team
Photo by: McKlein / Motorsport Images
Hyundai Motorsport president Sean Kim paid tribute to Breen in a statement issued by the team last Friday.
“The reality of yesterday has still not sunk in, and it is unlikely to for a very long time,” said Kim. “Everyone here in Alzenau is feeling the loss of our team-mate and friend Craig deeply, and we are supporting our colleagues through this incredibly difficult time.
“To say he was a much valued and well-regarded member of our team only touches the surface. Craig had a passion for rallying that ran deep. He was more than just a driver, he was a true lover of the sport. Craig wore his heart on his sleeve, something that enamoured him to so many people. He had a way with words that was…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Motorsport.com – RALLY – Stories…