Fulton to carry on Craig’s legacy

Cavan co-driver James Fulton is returning to the WRC track today following the tragic death of his driver and friend, Craig Breen.

Speaking to the WRC regarding his decision, James said: “It was a very tough moment, but I feel, now, ready to return”.

“It wasn’t an easy decision, but I know it’s what Craig would have wanted,” he added.

The Irish co-driver had been set to partner Hyundai’s Craig Breen in the WRC’s top flight this season, however, Breen tragically passed away while testing for the Croatia Rally.

“I started this challenge with him, and I feel the best way to honour him is to finish what we started together,” he added.

Fulton, who finished second overall alongside Breen at Rally Sweden in February, will step back into a rally car next week to sit alongside fellow countryman Kris Meeke. The pair will compete in the WRC2 category with an i20 N Rally2 from Team Hyundai Portugal.

Meeke, a five-time WRC rally winner, agreed to drive for Team Hyundai Portugal, taking over Craig’s seat.

Meeke’s WRC record boasts five rally wins, including Portugal in 2016, although the 43-year-old has not competed at this level since 2019. He debuted the Hyundai at Rali Terras d’Aboboreira late last month, claiming victory by 15.5sec over Marco Bulacia.

Sharing his decision on Facebook, James said: “It has been an incredibly tough couple of weeks for myself and everyone who was close to Craig. The decision to get back in the car was not taken lightly and will not be easy, but thanks to the support of my family, Craig’s family, Hyundai Motorsport, Team Hyundai Portugal, the rally community and Kris, it will be good to get back in a rally car and carry on Craig’s legacy. I’d also like to thank everyone for their support over the last few weeks, it means a lot.”