What's the news?
The level of talent in Irish rallying is on the up and up, and aspiring young hopefuls will no doubt be buoyed by the news coming from Versailles this week. Waterford youngster Craig Breen has signed a two-year contract with the works Citroen Racing World Rally Championship team, after some hugely impressive performances on the four WRC events he has competed on this year with the factory-supported Abu Dhabi Total World Rally Team. With Scott Martin calling the notes, each rally has culminated in a top ten finish including a podium on Rally Finland.
This year was make or break for Breen and French teammate Stéphane Lefebvre. With Kris Meeke and Paul Nagle in the lead car setting a blistering pace, it was vital for the young hotshoes to demonstrate speed and consistency in order to secure their futures. Lefebvre unfortunately suffered a huge crash on Rally Germany, but impressed the team enough throughout the year to land a similar deal to Breen, team principal Yves Matton stating: "We had several scenarios regarding the choice of our crews for the future. Kris Meeke was confirmed at the end of last year and has become the natural leader of the team. In choosing two young crews to complete the line-up, I don't think we can be accused of having gone for the easy option. But this original solution is very much aligned with Citroën's mindset. And having seen them compete this season for the Abu Dhabi Total World Rally Team, we believe in the potential of Craig Breen and Stéphane Lefebvre. They have the natural talent, motivation and work ethic to win rallies. I would also say we are proud to take these young drivers up to the top level of the sport."
Meeke will drive the all-new C3 WRC on every rally next year, with the second car alternated between Breen and Lefebvre until a third car is ready, most likely in time for Rally Portugal. Long-time competitor Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi will field a fourth C3 later on in the season, and with testing of the new car progressing successfully to date it will be great to see our boys battling it out with the world's best. Citroen has a long history of fostering young talent (two guys called Sebastien spring to mind) and building rally-winning machines, so the future looks bright.
Breen is one of the most passionate drivers out there and has a deep-seated love for the sport (his father Ray is a former Irish National champion). Motorsport Ireland are understandably delighted, with CEO Alex Sinclair saying: "It is an incredible achievement for any driver to secure a works drive. 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."