How the WRC paid tribute to its people’s champion Craig Breen

Competing in Croatia less than a week following Craig Breen’s shock passing was always going to be incredibly difficult. But the World Rally Championship should be proud of its fitting tribute and celebration of one of its most loved characters.

Emotions were still raw in the service park while many still struggled to accept the loss of the factory Hyundai driver, who died whilst preparing to compete in Croatia. But it was decided after careful consideration that the show would go on, as that is what Craig, the most passionate of rally fans, would have wanted. Competition was secondary and as the drivers explained, “we are driving for Craig”.

Laid to rest two days before shakedown in Ireland, Croatia was the WRC’s chance to provide a show for Breen and a fitting send-off. That it did, in the most beautiful and respectful manner through a number of tributes conducted to honour the 33-year-old’s life.

Hardest hit by the numbing news of the previous week was Breen’s Hyundai team. It seriously considered sitting out the event but following discussions with the Breen family it was decided the best way to pay tribute to their driver was to continue albeit with only two cars. Despite the shock and grief it was enduring, the team, all wearing black armbands, worked tirelessly to ensure its absent friend was honoured perfectly.

The most visible of its tributes came in the form of a stunning one-off livery based on the Irish tricolour on its i20 Ns paying homage to the proud Irishman. Factory teams changing liveries in motorsport is usually a task that can take months of planning, and discussions with sponsors about logo placements.

In this case, the concept from design to delivery took a matter of days, with the finishing touches completed a day before shakedown. The idea for the livery came from the family but it was designed by one of the team’s mechanics. It couldn’t have been more perfect. The bright orange, white and green were so important to Breen.

It was accompanied by some of his most heart-on-sleeve poignant quotes adorning each door – “Don’t let anyone put your down, because only you know your true potential” and perhaps the message that summed up Breen the best – “Don’t forget to enjoy….you have to have fun, life is too short.”

These quotes were replicated on the windows of Hyundai’s impressive home-from-home Formula 1-style…