All three factory Hyundai i20 N Rally1 cars will run Irish flags during Croatia Rally, as a tribute to Craig Breen a year on from his fatal testing accident.
Thierry Neuville, Ott Tänak and Andreas Mikkelsen’s cars will be adorned with the Irish tricolor on the roof and rear fender during next week’s World Rally Championship round.
Last year Hyundai ran with a green, white and orange livery only a week after Breen’s passing. This year the tribute will be somewhat more visually subdued but team principal Cyril Abiteboul explained the team’s plan to honor him.
“It is of course emotional coming to this event following the loss of Craig one year ago, but we want to honor him on our return and have tried to do so through both our charitable efforts and the addition of the Irish flag on our car,” said Abiteboul.
“For both championships, and for Craig, we want to finish as close to the top step as possible – a win would be a fitting end to the weekend.”
In addition to the livery tweak, Hyundai has donated several items to a charity auction, with all proceeds going to the Craig Breen Foundation.
Helmets, driver overalls and driving boots from last season, plus signed models of Hyundai’s Croatia 2023 car, are among the items being listed for auction.
Items available to bid are available on the Craig Breen Foundation auction website.
The Craig Breen Foundation supports aspiring Irish rally drivers with prizes in the J1000 Forestry series and tutoring with Breen’s former navigator Paul Nagle, among other support.
