Irish rally driver Craig Breen (Hyundai), second in this year's World Rally Championship (WRC) Rally Sweden, died Thursday in an accident during testing ahead of Rally Croatia, the fourth round of the championship.
"Hyundai Motorsport is deeply saddened to confirm that driver Craig Breen lost his life today following an accident during testing ahead of the Rally Croatia," his team announced in a statement.
His co-driver James Fulton was unhurt in the incident that occurred just after midday.
"Hyundai Motorsport sends its sincere condolences to Craig's family, friends and many fans," they added. For its part, RallyRACC, a rally the Irishman won in the Super 2000 WRC category the same year he took the title, also showed its condolences.
"The entire RallyRACC team regrets the sad news of the passing of Craig Breen. Our sincere condolences to the family, friends and team at this difficult time," said the organization of the Catalan event.
WRC also joined in the mourning. "The WRC family is shocked and saddened by the news of Craig Breen's death. Our thoughts and condolences are with Craig's family and friends at this incredibly sad time," they said.
Craig, son of Ray Breen, also of the rallying world, began his career on the racetrack, but switched full-time to rallying in 2009. Breen scored 30 stage wins in the WRC and a total of eight podiums in 81 rallies contested.