Hyundai Motorsport boss Andrea Adamo has paid tribute to Craig Breen and Paul Nagle, who are leaving the team to join M-Sport Ford in the World Rally Championship for the next two seasons.
The Irish pairing capped off their three-year stint with Hyundai on last week’s Rally Finland by claiming a third consecutive podium finish in the i20 Coupe World Rally Car.
Despite these successes – which included winning the penultimate round of the Irish Tarmac Championship in a Hyundai i20 R5 – a full-time seat in the sport’s top division is what Breen has been looking for.
With Adamo unable to offer that for next season, Breen turned to M-Sport Ford who had no hesitation in signing him up on a two-year deal.
“It is with great sadness that we can’t continue with Hyundai Motorsport but what an amazing story it has been; coming from nowhere, competing back at home in our regional Irish championship and flung back into the WRC,” said Breen.
“We part ways on the best of terms, having had an amazing experience and making lots of friends along the way. We now look forward to the future with gratitude and excitement.”
As Breen’s deal with M-Sport Ford was announced earlier this morning, Hyundai Motorsport confirmed the third i20N Rally 1 car will be shared between veteran Dani Sordo and team protege Oliver Solberg in next season’s World Rally Championship.
“I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to Craig and Paul for their hard work and dedication since joining us in 2019. Across three seasons, they have proven to be valuable team players and have contributed to our recent manufacturers’ title successes,” said Adamo.
“They are two fully focused individuals and form a potent, professional partnership; they have always been there for us when we needed them, and we wish them all the best for the future.”
