Craig Breen will be at the start of the WRC 2022 as an official and starting driver for the entire season. Motorsport.com sources have assured that the Northern Irish native of Slieverue has recently signed a contract with the M-Sport team that will be valid starting next season.
Breen, already 31 years old, has found the agreement and signed with M-Sport by joining the Cockermouth team for the next 2 seasons. An important contract, because it will allow him to be the owner and permanently employed in all the events of the next 2 WRC calendars. His navigator will still be Paul Nagle, who has accompanied him in recent seasons after dictating the notes for years to Kris Meeke.
With this choice, Breen preferred to get back into the game and embrace an unexpected challenge, probably becoming one of the top drivers – if not the top driver – of the British team. From 2022 M-Sport will have much more support from Ford Performance, which in recent months has given its substantial contribution in the preparation of the Ford Puma Rally1 hybrid, a car that will take the place of the current Ford Fiesta WRC Plus starting next season.
The choice of Breen is partly linked to the fact that he can be used in all the races of the next 2 seasons. Since 2019, Craig has been employed part time by Hyundai Motorsport in the third i20 Coupé WRC Plus after being left behind by Citroen Racing to make room for Sébastien Ogier and Esapekka Lappi.
Breen had become a rotating driver for the Alzenau-based team, but his contribution was crucial to winning the two Constructors’ titles that Hyundai Motorsport won in 2019 and 2020. Craig has achieved three podiums this season, for other consecutive. These results and the more frequent use by Hyundai (which, therefore, had an important role in the relaunch of the driver) led him to have new opportunities.
The 2021 season is the best ever for Breen. Up to now he has totaled 76 points and is the sixth position in the World Drivers’ classification. Suffice it to say that the season in which, before this, he had done better had not gone beyond 67 total points, despite taking part in almost all the events of the 2018 calendar.
Breen, therefore, will become a teammate of Adrien Fourmaux, the main candidate for one of the three seats of M-Sport for next season. The third crew that will race behind the wheel of the third Ford Puma Rally1 hybrid will remain to be defined.
Craig Breen has already made contact a few weeks ago with the Ford Puma Rally1, in a test carried out in Cumbria. Apparently the first impressions were more than positive. The first outing as an official M-Sport driver will always take place this month in a test scheduled both on asphalt and on gravel where the next round of the World Championship will take place, Spain. Breen will thus begin his approach to next season just shortly.
Wilson: “We had been talking to Breen for months”
“Craig’s performances this year have not gone unnoticed. He has done excellent results although he has a partial WRC program. We started talking about the possibility of joining forces several months ago and I am really happy to announce that he will race for us in the next 2 seasons. We have a fantastic car, Puma, and I have no doubt that Craig will lead it to success in the next few seasons, “said M-Sport boss Malcolm Wilson.
M-Sport team principal Richard Millener added: “I am confident that Breen and Nagle will lead the team to the best results. Our goal now is to make them feel at home, at ease with the team, and provide them with everything they need to achieve great results with Puma. “
Craig Breen, on the other hand, said he was very happy for the new adventure that will start in a few days: “I am happy and proud to be racing for M-Sport Ford alongside Paul. My journey in the WRC has been long and full of obstacles, but now we have the best opportunity to race for a prestigious brand in the WRC. “
“I have placed my trust in what Malcolm, Richard and the M-Sport team have shown us. I am looking forward to being at the Piazza del Casino, Monte-Carlo, to open our new adventure in the WRC to defend the colors of Ford “.
What changes in Hyundai after Breen’s departure
Craig Breen’s decision to sign with M-Sport for 2 years opens up a different scenario in Hyundai Motorsport as well. The Alzenau team has already renewed the contracts of Thierry Neuville and Ott Tanak over several years. There is no definitive decision on the names that – probably – will share the third i20 N Rally1.
Without Breen in the shortlist, Dani Sordo remains. The Spaniard, during this season, has been decidedly less brilliant than in the past 2 years, when with Carlos del Barrio he formed a fast and reliable crew. In 2021 the native of Torrelavega started the season with del Barrio, knowing full well that the Rallye Monte-Carlo would be the last appointment with his compatriot. Subsequently Dani was joined by Borja Rozada but, despite a good podium at the debut, the two did not find the right feeling and preferred to separate. The last part of the season was Candido Carrera who dictated the notes to Sordo, but for him 2021 was the worst year in a long time.
Dani, however, has already had the opportunity to test the i20 N Rally1 in recent tests. Same goes for Oliver Solberg. The young Swede was involved in the preparation of the i20 N Rally2 and had the opportunity to take part in the first races of his career at the wheel of a Hyundai-branded World Rally Car. Oliver could be in the shortlist of candidates to race on the third i20 N Rally1, probably alternating with Sordo.
Team | Car | Pilots | Race number |
---|---|---|---|
Hyundai Motorsport | Hyundai i20 N Rally1 | Thierry Neuville | 11 |
Ott Tanak | 8 | ||
? | ? | ||
? | ? | ||
Toyota Gazoo Racing | Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 | Kalle Rovanpera * | 69 |
Elfyn Evans * | 33 | ||
Takamoto Katsuta * | 18 | ||
Esapekka Lappi * | 4 | ||
Sébastien Ogier | 1 | ||
M-Sport Ford WRT | Ford Puma Rally1 | Adrien Fourmaux * | 16 |
Craig Breen | 42 | ||
? | ? | ||
2C Compétition | Hyundai i20 N Rally1 | ? | ? |
* Still to be officially confirmed
Craig Breen will be at the start of the WRC 2022 as an official and starting driver for the entire season. Motorsport.com sources have assured that the Northern Irish native of Slieverue has recently signed a contract with the M-Sport team that will be valid starting next season.
Breen, already 31 years old, has found the agreement and signed with M-Sport by joining the Cockermouth team for the next 2 seasons. An important contract, because it will allow him to be the owner and permanently employed in all the events of the next 2 WRC calendars. His navigator will still be Paul Nagle, who has accompanied him in recent seasons after dictating the notes for years to Kris Meeke.
With this choice, Breen preferred to get back into the game and embrace an unexpected challenge, probably becoming one of the top drivers – if not the top driver – of the British team. From 2022 M-Sport will have much more support from Ford Performance, which in recent months has given its substantial contribution in the preparation of the Ford Puma Rally1 hybrid, a car that will take the place of the current Ford Fiesta WRC Plus starting next season.
The choice of Breen is partly linked to the fact that he can be used in all the races of the next 2 seasons. Since 2019, Craig has been employed part time by Hyundai Motorsport in the third i20 Coupé WRC Plus after being left behind by Citroen Racing to make room for Sébastien Ogier and Esapekka Lappi.
Breen had become a rotating driver for the Alzenau-based team, but his contribution was crucial to winning the two Constructors’ titles that Hyundai Motorsport won in 2019 and 2020. Craig has achieved three podiums this season, for other consecutive. These results and the more frequent use by Hyundai (which, therefore, had an important role in the relaunch of the driver) led him to have new opportunities.
The 2021 season is the best ever for Breen. Up to now he has totaled 76 points and is the sixth position in the World Drivers’ classification. Suffice it to say that the season in which, before this, he had done better had not gone beyond 67 total points, despite taking part in almost all the events of the 2018 calendar.
Breen, therefore, will become a teammate of Adrien Fourmaux, the main candidate for one of the three seats of M-Sport for next season. The third crew that will race behind the wheel of the third Ford Puma Rally1 hybrid will remain to be defined.
Craig Breen has already made contact a few weeks ago with the Ford Puma Rally1, in a test carried out in Cumbria. Apparently the first impressions were more than positive. The first outing as an official M-Sport driver will always take place this month in a test scheduled both on asphalt and on gravel where the next round of the World Championship will take place, Spain. Breen will thus begin his approach to next season just shortly.
Wilson: “We had been talking to Breen for months”
“Craig’s performances this year have not gone unnoticed. He has done excellent results although he has a partial WRC program. We started talking about the possibility of joining forces several months ago and I am really happy to announce that he will race for us in the next 2 seasons. We have a fantastic car, Puma, and I have no doubt that Craig will lead it to success in the next few seasons, “said M-Sport boss Malcolm Wilson.
M-Sport team principal Richard Millener added: “I am confident that Breen and Nagle will lead the team to the best results. Our goal now is to make them feel at home, at ease with the team, and provide them with everything they need to achieve great results with Puma. “
Craig Breen, on the other hand, said he was very happy for the new adventure that will start in a few days: “I am happy and proud to be racing for M-Sport Ford alongside Paul. My journey in the WRC has been long and full of obstacles, but now we have the best opportunity to race for a prestigious brand in the WRC. “
“I have placed my trust in what Malcolm, Richard and the M-Sport team have shown us. I am looking forward to being at the Piazza del Casino, Monte-Carlo, to open our new adventure in the WRC to defend the colors of Ford “.
What changes in Hyundai after Breen’s departure
Craig Breen’s decision to sign with M-Sport for 2 years opens up a different scenario in Hyundai Motorsport as well. The Alzenau team has already renewed the contracts of Thierry Neuville and Ott Tanak over several years. There is no definitive decision on the names that – probably – will share the third i20 N Rally1.
Without Breen in the shortlist, Dani Sordo remains. The Spaniard, during this season, has been decidedly less brilliant than in the past 2 years, when with Carlos del Barrio he formed a fast and reliable crew. In 2021 the native of Torrelavega started the season with del Barrio, knowing full well that the Rallye Monte-Carlo would be the last appointment with his compatriot. Subsequently Dani was joined by Borja Rozada but, despite a good podium at the debut, the two did not find the right feeling and preferred to separate. The last part of the season was Candido Carrera who dictated the notes to Sordo, but for him 2021 was the worst year in a long time.
Dani, however, has already had the opportunity to test the i20 N Rally1 in recent tests. Same goes for Oliver Solberg. The young Swede was involved in the preparation of the i20 N Rally2 and had the opportunity to take part in the first races of his career at the wheel of a Hyundai-branded World Rally Car. Oliver could be in the shortlist of candidates to race on the third i20 N Rally1, probably alternating with Sordo.
Team | Car | Pilots | Race number |
---|---|---|---|
Hyundai Motorsport | Hyundai i20 N Rally1 | Thierry Neuville | 11 |
Ott Tanak | 8 | ||
? | ? | ||
? | ? | ||
Toyota Gazoo Racing | Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 | Kalle Rovanpera * | 69 |
Elfyn Evans * | 33 | ||
Takamoto Katsuta * | 18 | ||
Esapekka Lappi * | 4 | ||
Sébastien Ogier | 1 | ||
M-Sport Ford WRT | Ford Puma Rally1 | Adrien Fourmaux * | 16 |
Craig Breen | 42 | ||
? | ? | ||
2C Compétition | Hyundai i20 N Rally1 | ? | ? |
* Still to be officially confirmed
Craig Breen will be at the start of the WRC 2022 as an official and starting driver for the entire season. Motorsport.com sources have assured that the Northern Irish native of Slieverue has recently signed a contract with the M-Sport team that will be valid starting next season.
Breen, already 31 years old, has found the agreement and signed with M-Sport by joining the Cockermouth team for the next 2 seasons. An important contract, because it will allow him to be the owner and permanently employed in all the events of the next 2 WRC calendars. His navigator will still be Paul Nagle, who has accompanied him in recent seasons after dictating the notes for years to Kris Meeke.
With this choice, Breen preferred to get back into the game and embrace an unexpected challenge, probably becoming one of the top drivers – if not the top driver – of the British team. From 2022 M-Sport will have much more support from Ford Performance, which in recent months has given its substantial contribution in the preparation of the Ford Puma Rally1 hybrid, a car that will take the place of the current Ford Fiesta WRC Plus starting next season.
The choice of Breen is partly linked to the fact that he can be used in all the races of the next 2 seasons. Since 2019, Craig has been employed part time by Hyundai Motorsport in the third i20 Coupé WRC Plus after being left behind by Citroen Racing to make room for Sébastien Ogier and Esapekka Lappi.
Breen had become a rotating driver for the Alzenau-based team, but his contribution was crucial to winning the two Constructors’ titles that Hyundai Motorsport won in 2019 and 2020. Craig has achieved three podiums this season, for other consecutive. These results and the more frequent use by Hyundai (which, therefore, had an important role in the relaunch of the driver) led him to have new opportunities.
The 2021 season is the best ever for Breen. Up to now he has totaled 76 points and is the sixth position in the World Drivers’ classification. Suffice it to say that the season in which, before this, he had done better had not gone beyond 67 total points, despite taking part in almost all the events of the 2018 calendar.
Breen, therefore, will become a teammate of Adrien Fourmaux, the main candidate for one of the three seats of M-Sport for next season. The third crew that will race behind the wheel of the third Ford Puma Rally1 hybrid will remain to be defined.
Craig Breen has already made contact a few weeks ago with the Ford Puma Rally1, in a test carried out in Cumbria. Apparently the first impressions were more than positive. The first outing as an official M-Sport driver will always take place this month in a test scheduled both on asphalt and on gravel where the next round of the World Championship will take place, Spain. Breen will thus begin his approach to next season just shortly.
Wilson: “We had been talking to Breen for months”
“Craig’s performances this year have not gone unnoticed. He has done excellent results although he has a partial WRC program. We started talking about the possibility of joining forces several months ago and I am really happy to announce that he will race for us in the next 2 seasons. We have a fantastic car, Puma, and I have no doubt that Craig will lead it to success in the next few seasons, “said M-Sport boss Malcolm Wilson.
M-Sport team principal Richard Millener added: “I am confident that Breen and Nagle will lead the team to the best results. Our goal now is to make them feel at home, at ease with the team, and provide them with everything they need to achieve great results with Puma. “
Craig Breen, on the other hand, said he was very happy for the new adventure that will start in a few days: “I am happy and proud to be racing for M-Sport Ford alongside Paul. My journey in the WRC has been long and full of obstacles, but now we have the best opportunity to race for a prestigious brand in the WRC. “
“I have placed my trust in what Malcolm, Richard and the M-Sport team have shown us. I am looking forward to being at the Piazza del Casino, Monte-Carlo, to open our new adventure in the WRC to defend the colors of Ford “.
What changes in Hyundai after Breen’s departure
Craig Breen’s decision to sign with M-Sport for 2 years opens up a different scenario in Hyundai Motorsport as well. The Alzenau team has already renewed the contracts of Thierry Neuville and Ott Tanak over several years. There is no definitive decision on the names that – probably – will share the third i20 N Rally1.
Without Breen in the shortlist, Dani Sordo remains. The Spaniard, during this season, has been decidedly less brilliant than in the past 2 years, when with Carlos del Barrio he formed a fast and reliable crew. In 2021 the native of Torrelavega started the season with del Barrio, knowing full well that the Rallye Monte-Carlo would be the last appointment with his compatriot. Subsequently Dani was joined by Borja Rozada but, despite a good podium at the debut, the two did not find the right feeling and preferred to separate. The last part of the season was Candido Carrera who dictated the notes to Sordo, but for him 2021 was the worst year in a long time.
Dani, however, has already had the opportunity to test the i20 N Rally1 in recent tests. Same goes for Oliver Solberg. The young Swede was involved in the preparation of the i20 N Rally2 and had the opportunity to take part in the first races of his career at the wheel of a Hyundai-branded World Rally Car. Oliver could be in the shortlist of candidates to race on the third i20 N Rally1, probably alternating with Sordo.
Team | Car | Pilots | Race number |
---|---|---|---|
Hyundai Motorsport | Hyundai i20 N Rally1 | Thierry Neuville | 11 |
Ott Tanak | 8 | ||
? | ? | ||
? | ? | ||
Toyota Gazoo Racing | Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 | Kalle Rovanpera * | 69 |
Elfyn Evans * | 33 | ||
Takamoto Katsuta * | 18 | ||
Esapekka Lappi * | 4 | ||
Sébastien Ogier | 1 | ||
M-Sport Ford WRT | Ford Puma Rally1 | Adrien Fourmaux * | 16 |
Craig Breen | 42 | ||
? | ? | ||
2C Compétition | Hyundai i20 N Rally1 | ? | ? |
* Still to be officially confirmed
Craig Breen will be at the start of the WRC 2022 as an official and starting driver for the entire season. Motorsport.com sources have assured that the Northern Irish native of Slieverue has recently signed a contract with the M-Sport team that will be valid starting next season.
Breen, already 31 years old, has found the agreement and signed with M-Sport by joining the Cockermouth team for the next 2 seasons. An important contract, because it will allow him to be the owner and permanently employed in all the events of the next 2 WRC calendars. His navigator will still be Paul Nagle, who has accompanied him in recent seasons after dictating the notes for years to Kris Meeke.
With this choice, Breen preferred to get back into the game and embrace an unexpected challenge, probably becoming one of the top drivers – if not the top driver – of the British team. From 2022 M-Sport will have much more support from Ford Performance, which in recent months has given its substantial contribution in the preparation of the Ford Puma Rally1 hybrid, a car that will take the place of the current Ford Fiesta WRC Plus starting next season.
The choice of Breen is partly linked to the fact that he can be used in all the races of the next 2 seasons. Since 2019, Craig has been employed part time by Hyundai Motorsport in the third i20 Coupé WRC Plus after being left behind by Citroen Racing to make room for Sébastien Ogier and Esapekka Lappi.
Breen had become a rotating driver for the Alzenau-based team, but his contribution was crucial to winning the two Constructors’ titles that Hyundai Motorsport won in 2019 and 2020. Craig has achieved three podiums this season, for other consecutive. These results and the more frequent use by Hyundai (which, therefore, had an important role in the relaunch of the driver) led him to have new opportunities.
The 2021 season is the best ever for Breen. Up to now he has totaled 76 points and is the sixth position in the World Drivers’ classification. Suffice it to say that the season in which, before this, he had done better had not gone beyond 67 total points, despite taking part in almost all the events of the 2018 calendar.
Breen, therefore, will become a teammate of Adrien Fourmaux, the main candidate for one of the three seats of M-Sport for next season. The third crew that will race behind the wheel of the third Ford Puma Rally1 hybrid will remain to be defined.
Craig Breen has already made contact a few weeks ago with the Ford Puma Rally1, in a test carried out in Cumbria. Apparently the first impressions were more than positive. The first outing as an official M-Sport driver will always take place this month in a test scheduled both on asphalt and on gravel where the next round of the World Championship will take place, Spain. Breen will thus begin his approach to next season just shortly.
Wilson: “We had been talking to Breen for months”
“Craig’s performances this year have not gone unnoticed. He has done excellent results although he has a partial WRC program. We started talking about the possibility of joining forces several months ago and I am really happy to announce that he will race for us in the next 2 seasons. We have a fantastic car, Puma, and I have no doubt that Craig will lead it to success in the next few seasons, “said M-Sport boss Malcolm Wilson.
M-Sport team principal Richard Millener added: “I am confident that Breen and Nagle will lead the team to the best results. Our goal now is to make them feel at home, at ease with the team, and provide them with everything they need to achieve great results with Puma. “
Craig Breen, on the other hand, said he was very happy for the new adventure that will start in a few days: “I am happy and proud to be racing for M-Sport Ford alongside Paul. My journey in the WRC has been long and full of obstacles, but now we have the best opportunity to race for a prestigious brand in the WRC. “
“I have placed my trust in what Malcolm, Richard and the M-Sport team have shown us. I am looking forward to being at the Piazza del Casino, Monte-Carlo, to open our new adventure in the WRC to defend the colors of Ford “.
What changes in Hyundai after Breen’s departure
Craig Breen’s decision to sign with M-Sport for 2 years opens up a different scenario in Hyundai Motorsport as well. The Alzenau team has already renewed the contracts of Thierry Neuville and Ott Tanak over several years. There is no definitive decision on the names that – probably – will share the third i20 N Rally1.
Without Breen in the shortlist, Dani Sordo remains. The Spaniard, during this season, has been decidedly less brilliant than in the past 2 years, when with Carlos del Barrio he formed a fast and reliable crew. In 2021 the native of Torrelavega started the season with del Barrio, knowing full well that the Rallye Monte-Carlo would be the last appointment with his compatriot. Subsequently Dani was joined by Borja Rozada but, despite a good podium at the debut, the two did not find the right feeling and preferred to separate. The last part of the season was Candido Carrera who dictated the notes to Sordo, but for him 2021 was the worst year in a long time.
Dani, however, has already had the opportunity to test the i20 N Rally1 in recent tests. Same goes for Oliver Solberg. The young Swede was involved in the preparation of the i20 N Rally2 and had the opportunity to take part in the first races of his career at the wheel of a Hyundai-branded World Rally Car. Oliver could be in the shortlist of candidates to race on the third i20 N Rally1, probably alternating with Sordo.
Team | Car | Pilots | Race number |
---|---|---|---|
Hyundai Motorsport | Hyundai i20 N Rally1 | Thierry Neuville | 11 |
Ott Tanak | 8 | ||
? | ? | ||
? | ? | ||
Toyota Gazoo Racing | Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 | Kalle Rovanpera * | 69 |
Elfyn Evans * | 33 | ||
Takamoto Katsuta * | 18 | ||
Esapekka Lappi * | 4 | ||
Sébastien Ogier | 1 | ||
M-Sport Ford WRT | Ford Puma Rally1 | Adrien Fourmaux * | 16 |
Craig Breen | 42 | ||
? | ? | ||
2C Compétition | Hyundai i20 N Rally1 | ? | ? |
* Still to be officially confirmed