Hyundai Motorsport pay tribute to Craig Breen with special livery for Croatia Rally

Hyundai Motorsport will race in a special livery at the Croatia Rally this weekend to pay tribute to Craig Breen.

The 33-year-old Waterford driver died in a testing accident ahead of the event last week.

Hyundai’s cars have been rebranded in the colours of the Irish flag for the event, while a number of other initiatives are planned to honour Craig, including a book of condolence in the team’s hospitality unit.

Hyundai Motorsport Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul said: “Craig was laid to rest yesterday (Tuesday) and it’s been a very emotional time for all of us. Emotions are still raw and there has been an amazing outpouring of grief for Craig, who was an incredible person to know, as a team-mate, competitor and friend.

“Regarding the accident, we can say that Craig was participating in the pre-event test in Croatia. Road conditions were slippery and the car slid off the road at a relatively low speed and made contact with a wooden fence. A post from this fence intruded into the cabin through the driver’s side window.

“The stage was closed immediately and the on stage medical team was rapidly on the scene.

“We must mention that James Fulton was unhurt in the crash and our hearts go out to him. We are doing everything we can to support James at this time.

“Craig was taken to hospital from the stage. As far as can be determined, Craig’s passing was instantaneous.

“Hyundai Motorsport and the FIA are working together to review all aspects of the incident. As far as can be ascertained, there was no issue with any element of the car, the tyres or the safety equipment. The local police completed a report at the scene.

“Moving to this weekend and Croatia Rally, it was clear from the feedback from all stakeholders, and Craig’s family and friends, that the competitive spirit of Craig would have wanted this weekend’s rally to continue and for his team-mates to participate.

“We thought long and hard about how to do this and how best to honour Craig. To this end, we are contesting the event with two cars, both running with a special livery to honour Craig, his Irish roots and his beloved Irish rally community.

“Craig was a wonderful person and that is true of his family and friends. The rallying community has really pulled together and it’s a mark of the high regard with which Craig was held.

“There are a number of initiatives to honour Craig taking place over this weekend. As well as our special livery we have a book of condolence in our hospitality unit that everyone is invited to sign. This will be shared with the family.

“This is all we have to say collectively at this stage.”

The 2023 Croatia Rally takes place from Thursday 20 - Sunday 23 April.