Hyundai to compete in Croatia 'to honour' Breen

Irish rally driver Craig Breen died in a testing accident last week

Hyundai will have a reduced two-car entry and special livery in this week's Croatia Rally as a tribute to Irish driver Craig Breen, who died during testing for the event.

The 33-year-old was preparing for his second event of the season.

He would have driven Hyundai's third entry, accompanying Belgian Thierry Neuville and Finland's Esapekka Lappi.

Hyundai team boss Cyril Abiteboul said the third entry has been withdrawn as a mark of respect and very careful consideration was given over whether to compete.

"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 his family and they have endorsed this approach," he said.

"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."

The World Rally Championship said it would retire Breen's competition number 42 for the remainder of the season.

Breen's co-driver James Fulton was unhurt in the crash.

The Zagreb-based asphalt rally, which is round four of the season, starts on Thursday and finishes on Sunday.

• Fellow WRC drivers pay emotional tributes after death of Irishman
• Irish rally driver Breen dies in testing accident

• The dangerous rise of Andrew Tate: Enter the world of the social media personality’s multi-level marketing scheme and webcam business
• The rise and fall of the jeweller-turned-criminal: Listen to Gangster: The Story of John Palmer