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Craig Breen returns to World Rally Championship in Finland

Ireland's Craig Breen is set to return to the World Rally Championship in August. Breen, who lost...



Craig Breen returns to World R...
Other Sports

Craig Breen returns to World Rally Championship in Finland

Ireland's Craig Breen is set to return to the World Rally Championship in August.

Breen, who lost his place with Citroen at the end of last season, will be Hyundai's third driver for the Rally of Finland with Paul Nagle as his co-driver.

The 29-year-old has been inside the top-five in his last three rallys in Finland and Hyundaui's Motorsport director Andrea Adamo says that record made Breen an attractive option for the race.

"He has demonstrated his class at this event in the past and has a lot of experience, which will be invaluable to us.

"We are making sure he has enough preparation with Rally Estonia, an event similar in style to Finland, and the pre-event test."

Irish Tarmac Championship leader Breen is delighted to get the chance to compete in the event.

"It's been a long and patient wait, having to watch everyone else drive this year, I am honoured to have this one-off opportunity with Paul as my co-driver.

He also admits it's a 'bittersweet' feeling following the death of Manus Kelly at the Donegal International Rally last Sunday.

"It’s a bittersweet feeling this morning as I share with you all the news that Paul and I are getting our return back into the World Rally Championship.

"When I found out that this was going to happen, you cannot begin to understand the excitement, it was an incredible feeling to know all our hard work was finally being recognised and we were getting our break again.

"Obviously, after last weekends events, it’s difficult to be too excited, I know one of the first messages I would be receiving without any doubt would be from Manus.

"However, we have to be very thankful. I have had incredible support from so many people during these last difficult months. Paul and I are determined to do the best job and we cannot wait to get started with our new team.

Thank you, everyone, for making this happen!"

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