Frenchman Cyril Abiteboul, sporting director of the Hyundai World Rally team, said this Wednesday that Irish driver Craig Breen died “immediately” after a fence stake hit the driver’s window.
Brin died in an accident on the 13th during tests in preparation for Rally Croatia, the fourth round of the World Championship this weekend.
“The asphalt was slippery and the car slid off the road at relatively low speed and crashed into a wooden fence. A pole from this fence entered the cab through the driver’s side window,” Abiteboul explained in a statement.
A Hyundai spokesman said the road where the tests were carried out “was immediately closed and a medical team quickly arrived at the scene,” he said.
“Craig was taken to the hospital. As far as it was possible to establish, he died immediately,” said Cyril Abiteboul, noting that the navigator “James Fulton was not injured in the accident.”
Hyundai and the International Automobile Federation (FIA) are now “together analyzing all aspects of the accident,” the same official assured, adding that from what could already be determined, “there were no problems with the car, tires or protective equipment” and that the police had already made a full report.
Cyril Abiteboul reiterated that the decision to participate in the Croatian rally was “long considered”, but they came to the conclusion that this would be “the best way to honor the memory” of the Irish rider.
In addition to a special award in honor of Craig Breen, with more emphasis on the colors of the Irish flag, “there will be other initiatives” in memory of the deceased pilot.
“We have a book of condolences in the hospitality area. [na prova croata] and everyone is invited to sign it,” he said. Eventually, it will be given to the family.
The Croatian Rally is the fourth of 13 World Championship rounds and runs from Thursday to Sunday.