His car reportedly went off the road and collided with a pole in a practice run ahead of next week’s Croatia rally.
The World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally has led the tributes to mourn the death of Irish rally driver Craig Breen who died on Thursday.
Born in Croatia 33 years ago, Breen was killed in an accident while driving his Hyundai in a pre-event test for next weekend's Croatia Rally.
Breen participated in the 2022 WRC Safari Rally, finishing sixth in the event that Finnish driver Kalle Rovanpera won.
The former Hyundai driver won the Super 2000 WRC in 2012, WRC Academy Cup in 2011, and the 2021 Rentokil Historic Rally in Ireland.
He was the son of Ray Breen, who was also a national champion in Irish rallying. The son of the national champion followed in his father's footsteps and began karting in 1999.
17:50 - 13.04.2023
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The Irishman finished sixth in 2022 WRC Safari Rally.
Breen was the son of celebrated rally ace Ray, a national champion in Irish rallying.
He started following in his father's footsteps and karting in 1999 before switching to rallying in 2007.
Safari Rally condoled with the deceased's family, saying he will be greatly missed in the world rallying scene.
"It is a sad day for the rallying fraternity at large, we have lost a mentor and a trainer.
Craig Breen was a true champion and an inspiration to many.
His passion and dedication to rally will always be remembered. We are heartbroken by his loss and extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends," Safari Rally said in a statement.
19:50 - 04.04.2023
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The 24-year-old driver is the only African driver in both the Croatia rally and the full Junior WRC campaign this year.
Below is how Twitter reacted to the demise of the rally ace, who has left the motorsports world and his fans in a state of shock and mourning: