Irish Rally Driver Craig Breen dies in Croatia Pre-Test Event

On November 15, 2021, the world of rally racing was shocked to learn that Irish driver Craig Breen had died in a crash during a pre-test event in Croatia. The 31-year-old driver had been a rising star in the sport, with a string of impressive results across numerous competitions. Breen’s tragic passing was a devastating blow to those who knew him, and a reminder of the inherent dangers of motorsports. In this article, we will take a closer look at Craig Breen’s life and career, his achievements, and the legacy he leaves behind.


Craig Breen, an Irish rally driver, died at the age of 33 after a crash in Croatia. Breen, who had been competing for Hyundai, was involved in a pre-test event in Croatia ahead of the latest round of the world championship. According to reports, Breen’s car is said to have gone off the road and collided with a pole on Thursday during his preparations for his next rally race. His co-driver, James Fulton, was unharmed. Hyundai Motorsport issued a statement announcing Breen’s death, expressing that the team was “deeply saddened.” After the incident, “RIP Craig” trended on Twitter, with people paying tribute to the driver. Hayden Paddon, a rally driver and Hyundai ambassador, described Breen as a “legend of a human being and driver”, while the World Rally Championship posted on Twitter that it was “shocked and saddened.” Motorsport Ireland’s president also expressed his condolences, adding that the “Irish motorsport community is numbed by this tragic news.” Breen, who started his career as a co-driver before becoming a driver in 2008, finished second at Rally Sweden in February after returning to Hyundai on a part-time basis. He had achieved second place in six rallies. Breen is the first fatality in the world championship since German junior co-driver Joerg Bastuck in the 2006 Rally of Catalunya.


In conclusion, Craig Breen’s untimely death is a tragic loss to the world of rallying. His passion for the sport and his remarkable talent on the track earned him a legion of fans and a well-deserved reputation as one of Ireland’s brightest motorsport stars. While we mourn the loss of this accomplished driver, we take solace in the knowledge that his legacy will endure through his remarkable achievements on the track and the fond memories he has left behind with those who knew him best. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Craig’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.