In memoriam: Craig Breen, Craig Breedlove

RALLYING'S MERCURIAL MAVERICK KILLED IN PRE-EVENT TESTING ACCIDENT IN CROATIA | VALE TO 'THE KING OF SPEED': AN AMERICAN HERO WHO DREAMED BIG AND LIVED LARGER

- ANDY ENRIGHT

Craig Breen

IRISH RALLY DRIVER Craig Breen was killed on Thursday 13th April after spinning off course and colliding with a wooden pole.

The 33-year-old Breen, a veteran of 81 WRC events, was alternating in Hyundai's third i20 N Rally1 with Spaniard Dani Sordo this season. His co-driver, James Fulton, escaped injury in the incident near the northern Croatian town of Zlatar. "Hyundai Motorsport is deeply saddened to confirm that driver Craig Breen today lost his life following an accident during the pre-event test for the Croatia Rally," his team said.

World rally champion Sebastien Ogier also expressed his shock at the death of the popular and engaging Breen. "I'm lost for words... Everyone loved Craig for his great Irish character and his enthusiasm for our sport," said the eight-time champion. Tributes also came from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and the Rally community at this difficult time," Ben Sulayem said.