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The Irishman finished sixth in 2022 WRC Safari Rally.
Craig Breen, one of the best-known rally drivers in the World Rally Championship series, is dead.
The 33-year-old Irishman is said to have succumbed to injuries after his Hyundai i20 car crashed during a team test on asphalt roads in Croatia.
Breen’s co-driver, James Fulton, escaped unhurt in the crash, which occurred just after 11 am Irish time today.
Hyundai Motorsport confirmed the tragic news of Breen, who was in his second spell following an entire season with M-Sport-Ford last year.
“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.
“Co-driver James Fulton was unharmed in the incident 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,” read the statement.
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19:54 - 02.03.2023
MOTORSPORT Preparations towards June's Safari Rally on the right course
Namwamba also visited Uhuru Park Gardens to inspect the processes taking place in preparation for the global event.
Breen participated in the 2022 WRC Safari Rally, finishing sixth overall while driving for M-Sport-Ford last year.
On the first day, he ran as high as fourth before retiring his Puma Rally1 with steering damage on the day's final stage.
He returned the following day and nursed the car through more problems on the last two legs to climb to sixth.
Breen described Kenya as a good country and he was looking forward to participating in the 2023 WRC Safari Rally which is set for June this year.
“I’d never been to Kenya before, but I’d watched all the videos of what this event is about, and it was a real experience,” he said.
“Being here in the country with these people and the atmosphere around the event has been great. It’s an incredible rally and country, and I look forward to returning.”
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19:50 - 04.04.2023
MOTORSPORTS Hamza Anwar among 57 drivers entered for Croatia Rally
The 24-year-old driver is the only African driver in both the Croatia rally and the full Junior WRC campaign this year.
Breen left Ford in November 2022 after one season, having had a podium in Monte Carlo, but five crashes from the last seven starts in a Ford Puma Rally1 took their toll and played a part in the decision to end the contract a year early.
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