Tributes have been paid to Irish rally car legend Craig Breen after he died in a horror smash in Croatia.
Mr Breen, who was from Waterford, died when his Hyundai car crashed during a pre-race test on the route near the town of Lobor in northern Croatia at around 11am this morning. He was 33.
His co-driver, fellow Irishman James Fulton (31), was unhurt in the incident.
READ MORE - Shock as Irish rally driver Craig Breen dies in tragic accident
News of Mr Breen’s death was revealed today by his team Hyundai Motorsport.
The team said in a statement: "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 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."
Media reported that Mr Breen's car went off the road and collided with a pole while preparing for next week's rally, his second of the season.
Mr Breen, who started out as a co-driver before switching to driving in 2008, finished second in Rally Sweden in February when he made his return to the team on a part-time basis after a year with M-Sport Ford.
He was a world championship regular over the years, although rarely for a full season, and while not a winner he finished second in six rallies.
Motorsport Ireland President Aiden Harper said Mr Breen was simply a world class driver – and offered his condolences to his family.
He said: "The Irish motorsport community is numbed by this tragic news.
"Craig was a world class driver and a world class person.
"To Craig’s family, his parents Ray and Jackie, his sister Kellie, brother in law Darragh and nephew Bobbie, I wish to extend my deepest condolences and all our thoughts remain with Craig’s co-driver James Fulton.
"May they all find the strength and support they need at this unimaginably tragic time."
And WRC, the world rally championship, also paid tribute to him.
A statement said: "The WRC family is shocked and saddened to learn of Craig Breen's passing.
"Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of Craig at this incredibly sad time."
Waterford independent TD Verona Murphy, who knew Mr Breen, also paid tribute to him.
She said: "Heartbroken to learn of Craig Breen's death following an accident in Croatia.
"My thoughts and prayers are with his family & friends, WRC family, and his many fans and followers."
And former world champion Mads Østberg said: "Craig… you were such a passionate and great person, and had so much fun.. but today I got the saddest news I could possibly get! RIP Craig Breen... All my thoughts to his lovely family!"
Mr Breen started competing in rallying in 2006 as a co-driver before taking to the driver’s seat in 2008.
In 2010, he competed in the Irish and British championships and won the Pirelli Star Driver Global Shootout Final.
He won €500,000 when he came out on top in the WRC academy challenge in 2011 and a year later he won the Super 2000 World Rally Championship.
He won the Circuit of Ireland with Peugeot in 2015. He joined Hyundai in 2021.
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