Irish rally star Craig Breen has been signed to drive for Citroën Racing when the car manufacturer returns as a works team in the FIA World Rally Championship next season.
It is the first time that an Irish-licenced driver has been signed to a works team in the WRC.
Waterford man Breen, who came to prominence this season for the Abu Dhabi Total WRT, and his co-driver Scott Martin have been added to the Citroën team along with French driver Stéphane Lefebvre and his co-driver Gabin Moreau.
They join Northern Irish driver Kris Meeke and co-driver Paul Nagle (Kerry), who were confirmed on the team at the end of last year.
“It is an incredible achievement for any driver to secure a works drive,” said Alex Sinclair, CEO Motorsport Ireland.
“Craig has come through our youth programmes and fought hard over the years to prove himself as one of the world’s best and this is a just reward for all his effort.”
“With Paul Nagle co-driving for Kris Meeke, the representation of Irish competitors, from both the North and South is phenomenal.”
“This is the stuff that dreams are made of,” added Breen.
“Thank you so much to everybody who has made this possible.”
With major new development and rebranding taking place at Mondello Park and auto sales returning to all time highs this is an exciting time for Motorsport. Citroen’s commitment to Irish driving talent could feel manifest itself in greater investment within the sport here in Ireland from them or from others.
Hyundai, Ford, Toyota and Volkswagen are also involved in the World Rally Championship while brands like Nissan, BMW, Volvo and Land Rover are also upping their sponsorship and investment in sport.
