Hyundai Motorsport has confirmed to compete at this week’s Croatia Rally, round four of the 2023 WRC season.
The team enters the rally with two cars. Both cars, driven by Thierry Neuville and Esapekka Lappi, will run a special livery to honour Craig Breen who passed away in a testing incident last week.
Hyundai Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul said the team decided “the best way to honour Craig [Breen] was to not withdraw our entry.”
Abiteboul: “After careful consideration involving all stakeholders, we have decided to participate in Croatia Rally. We will do this in memory of Craig, to honour him, his passion for rallying and his competitive spirit.
“We will enter two cars and withdraw the third entry as a mark of respect. Both cars will run with a special livery for Craig, his family, friends and fans. It is clear from speaking to everyone that the best way to honour Craig’s legacy was not to withdraw our entry, so we participate mindful of our lost team-mate, friend and incredible competitor.”
Regarding how much consideration there was to withdraw from the rally, Abiteboul said: “Very careful consideration was given when making this decision. It was clear from the feedback given by all who knew Craig well that participating would be the best way to honour him. We consulted with the family and they have endorsed this approach.
We are contesting this rally primarily to honour Craig and his incredible life and talent. Craig was a proud Irishman and passionate representative of the Irish rally community so the livery will represent the colours of the Irish flag in his memory.”
Photo: Hyundai Motorsport