Over 10 years since his then co-driver Gareth Roberts died in a crash, rally driver Craig Breen recently passed away during a testing accident days before the Croatia Rally.
The 33-year-old Irish rally driver Craig Breen sadly lost his life during an accident on Thursday, April 13, 2023. The shocking news comes over a decade after Breen was involved in a rally crash.
On June 16, 2012, Craig and Gareth were driving together, competing in the Targa Florio Rally. During the second day, the drivers lost control and the impact killed Gareth Roberts, who was in the passenger seat.
Craig Breen survived the crash and went on to become an important name in the rally racing industry. He competed in a total of 81 rallies, first starting racing in 2009.
Craig Breen dies in testing accident 11 years after Gareth Roberts crash
In a statement released on their official Twitter account, Hyundai Motorsport addressed the tragic accident. They stated they were “deeply saddened” by what happened.
They also went on to confirm that co-driver James Fulton was unharmed in the incident.
Craig Breen is the first fatality in the world championship since 2006. During the Rally Of Catalunya, German junior co-driver Joerg Bastuck was tragically hit after stepping out of his car during the race.
Fans remember Gareth Roberts on Twitter
Many fans of the sport have been shaken by the recent news of Breen’s accident. Users of the social media site Twitter have taken to the website to share remember both Craig Breen and his former co-driver Gareth Roberts.
One user shared a picture of the two rally drivers from their younger years. Craig smiles while Gareth gets to work in the passenger seat.
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Another user reflected on the legacy Breen built in the 10 years since Roberts’ death.
Naturally, the future of rally driving will not be the same without Craig Breen. As many mourn the Irish driver, Croatia Rally 2023 is set to take place on April 20 and finish on April 23.
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