Irish rally star Craig Breen, 33, killed in crash after colliding with pole

13 April 2023 , 14:53

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Craig Breen has died at the age of 33 (Image: MICKE FRANSSON/TT News Agency/AFP via Getty Images)

The motorsports world has paid tribute to Craig Breen after the Irish rally star died at the age of 33 following a crash in testing.

Breen, from Waterford in Ireland, collided with a pole during a testing session for Hyundai in Croatia. The session was taking place in advance of the Croatia Rally, which is due to take place from 20-23 April.

"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," a statement from Hyundai read. "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."

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is among those to pay tribute “On behalf of the FIA, I wish to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Craig Breen following his passing during a testing accident in Croatia," a statement from the president read. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and the entire Rally community at this difficult time.”

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The son of Irish rally driver Ray Breen, Craig competed in his first rally back in 2009. He took part in 81 rallies in total, racking up 30 stage wins.

"The WRC family is shocked and saddened to learn of Craig Breen's passing," a statement from the World Rally Championship read. "Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of Craig at this incredibly sad time."

Craig Breen had competed in the 2023 World Rally Championship (Getty Images)

A number of fans paid their own tributes to Breen, who had raced once in the 2023 season. He took second place in Rally Sweden in February, behind Estonia's Ott Tanak.

"Shocking news and so very sad," one Twitter user wrote. "Condolences to all his family and friends. RIP Craig."

"This is absolutely awful," wrote another. "Craig was a hugely gifted and talented driver, who was down-to-earth and had so much more to achieve. My thoughts go out to his family, friends, Hyundai Motorsport and the whole of the WRC paddock and community."

"Such sad news," another said in response to Hyundai's announcement. "Passing my condolences to his dearest family and friends. Rather more profound to read about how lovely he was as a person, and 33 years old is extremely young to go. These rally drivers are on another level with their talents and risks. RIP."

Tom Victor