For the first time since 2024, the Croatia Rally will return to the WRC calendar this weekend, but for Hyundai this round coincides with sad memories. It was here, on April 13, 2023, that Craig Breen lost his life at just 33 years old, victim of an accident during a test in preparation for the Croatian rally. During his WRC career, the Irishman achieved a total of 9 podiums, as well as winning two editions of the Sanremo Rally (2019 and 2021), in both cases behind the wheel of a Hyundai.
Read more Croatia Rally 2026, SS4: Pajari takes advantage of Solberg and Evans’ ‘own goals’
The Korean manufacturer has decided to field a special livery for its cars this weekend, dedicated to its late driver. On the i20N, Breen’s face is depicted on the sides and roof of the car, along with the inscription “For Craig” and his famous phrase “Flat to square right”. Added to this is a tribute to the Craig Breen Foundation, a charity organization aimed at nurturing young rally talents in Ireland.
📸 Hyundai unveils a tribute livery to Craig Breen, WRC driver who passed away 3 years ago on the roads of Croatia 🙏🇮🇪
The South Korean brand will carry the face of the Irish driver on its cars during the #CroatiaRally as it has been competing in WRC since 2023 with “For… pic.twitter.com/vs7h6BXIF2
Read more Croatia Rally 2026, SS8: Neuville tries, but Pajari extends
— Tear Off (@TearOffFR) April 7, 2026
“The feeling within the team is still the same: we want to continue to remember Craig Breen not only for the driver he was on the special stages, but also for the man he was off them. Craig was the embodiment of what rallying is in every element of his life; a team man during events, with a passion for nurturing the next generation of talents in his native Ireland, everyone can point to something about him that positively impacted them. We are honored to have played a small part in his life, and I can speak on behalf of the entire team when I say we will do everything possible to help keep his memory alive”, said Hyundai Motorsport President and Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul.
Read more Croatia Rally 2026, SS12: Solberg flies, but Pajari remains leader
