File picture of World Rally Championship driver Craig Breen, who was killed in an accident on April 13, 2023, during a test event in Croatia
An accident during a test event ahead of a World Championship Race in Croatia has claimed the life of Irish rally driver, Craig Breen. Breen, 33, skidded off track and police are investigating the circumstances of the tragedy.
The organising committee of the Croatia Rally expressed their condolences, and Hyundai Motorsport said it was “deeply saddened” by the news. The family, friends and fans of Breen will be in the thoughts of the entire rally community, according to the president of governing body FIA.
“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 private testing accident in Croatia,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Breen began his career in karting and won several rally titles at various levels of national and international competitions, and was a regular podium finisher in the World Rally Championship.
In 2012, he was involved in an accident at a rally in Italy in which his co-driver, Gareth Roberts, was killed. “Craig was a world class driver and a world class person,” said Motorsport Ireland president Aidan Harper.