Hyundai has revived a tradition of celebrating Craig Breen on Croatia's return to the WRC calendar
Hyundai has continued a tradition of remembering the late Craig Breen on Croatia’s World Rally Championship round with special liveries, unveiling an updated version of its 2026 paint job for this week’s event.
Breen died in a Croatia pre-event test in 2023 and Hyundai has carried tributes on its car ever since – running a full Irish tricolor livery that year and a further flag tribute in 2024. ‘ForCraig’ features on the i20 N Rally1 at all WRC rounds.
For 2026 artwork of Breen has been placed on the roof and door panels, with the iconic “Flat to the Square Right” quote on the right door. The Craig Breen Foundation, which supports Irish rallying talent through prizes and coaching, is also present on the car.
“The sentiment is still the same within the team,” said Hyundai team principal Cyril Abiteboul. “We want to continue to remember Craig Breen not only for the driver he was on the stages, but also the man he was off them.
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“Craig was the epitome of what rallying is in every element of his life; from his camaraderie on event, to his passion for nurturing the next generation of talent in his native Ireland, everyone can pinpoint something about him that impacted them positively. We are honoured to have been a small part of his life, and I can speak for the whole team when I say that we will do all we can to help his memory live on.”
Hyundai WRC sporting director Andrew Wheatley added: “It’s evident that everyone in the Service Park has been touched by the generosity, sincerity and good humour of Craig, and that we all miss his presence.
“These special liveries are just a small way the team can pay tribute to him, especially here at Croatia Rally. I have been around the WRC for a long time, so it’s not lost on me the effects Craig’s passing has had, and through our own initiatives and those of the Craig Breen Foundation, it’s crucial that we all do what we can to remember him.”
Thierry Neuville, Adrien Fourmaux and Hayden Paddon will run the special livery on their cars this week.
Tags: Craig Breen, Croatia Rally 2026, Hyundai, WRC 2026
Publish Date April 7, 2026 DirtFish
https://dirtfish-editorial.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/2026/04/9j6A8JZ1-7ee7c5f6-23b8-07e6-761d-59a44c9816bd-780x439.jpg April 7, 2026
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McErlean going back to basics for Croatia
Context:
Hyundai honors late driver Craig Breen with special artwork livery featuring his iconic rally quote for Croatia Rally.
Context:
The tribute continues supporting Irish rallying talent through the Craig Breen Foundation established in his memory.
Context:
Breen tragically died during pre-event testing in Croatia in 2023, making this location particularly meaningful for trib
