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      Craig Breen’s heartbroken team-mate begs ‘someone wake me from this nightmare’ after rally car driver’s tragic death

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      CRAIG BREEN’S teammate admits he’s been left heartbroken by the rally driver’s death, saying: “Someone wake me from this nightmare.”Breen tragically passed away on Thursday at the age of 33 following a fatal crash.
      Craig Breen’s teammate has paid tribute to the tragic late rally driverCredit: AP
      Dani Sordo admits he’s been living in a ‘nightmare’ since the newsCredit: Getty
      The Irish racer collided with a pole while testing his car ahead of next week’s Croatia Rally.
      And Hyundai teammate Dani Sordo has now paid tribute to Breen after revealing his emotional devastation.
      Sordo posted on social media: “Someone wake me up from this nightmare.
      “I can’t believe the call from a few hours ago, saying you’re leaving us forever.
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      “I’m in Germany tomorrow to tune up your Croatia car. It’s not possible.
      “Rest in peace Craig, friend. You are loved very much and you know it.
      “Good luck to family and friends.”
      The news of Breen’s tragic death shocked the motoring world earlier today.
      Most read in Motorsport
      A statement from Hyundai read: “Hyundai Motorsport is deeply saddened to confirm that driver Craig Breen today lost his life following an accident during the pre-event test for Croatia Rally.
      “Co-driver James Fulton was unharmed in the incident that occurred just after midday local time.
      “Hyundai Motorsport sends its sincerest condolences to Craig’s family, friends and his many fans.
      “Hyundai Motorsport will make no further comment at this time.”
      FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “On behalf of the FIA, I extend sincere condolences to the family & friends of Craig Breen following his passing during a private testing accident.
      “Our thoughts & prayers are with his loved ones & the Rally community at this difficult time.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton is losing his ‘instinctive unconscious speed’ and ‘can’t match’ younger drivers says ex-F1 world champion

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      DAMON HILL feels that Lewis Hamilton, given his age and experience in F1, has started to “lose his speed on the track”. Hill, who won the world championship with Williams in 1996, said that “the arrival of the younger, faster driver” can seriously impact an older team-mate.
      Damon Hill now works in the media Paddock on race weekendsCredit: Getty
      And according to Hill, Lewis Hamilton cannot keep up with the pace of the younger drivers foreverCredit: Alamy
      The former racing driver was specifically referring to George Russell’s ability to out-qualify Hamilton.
      Russell,25, leads Hamilton 3-0 in their qualifying head-to-heads in 2023.
      Hamilton,38, was also out-performed by his younger team-mate last season, with the seven-time-world champion failing to win a single race in 2022 for the first time in his career.
      Despite clinching his own title at age 36, Hill referenced how the sport has a history of seeing veteran drivers struggle against younger team-mates.
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      Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, he said: “Drivers in their late 30s can no longer do those absolutely absurd kind of transcendental laps that they used to be able to do when they were in their 20s.
      “George is super quick, and he’s revelling in the early part of his career and he’s got this speed.
      “I don’t know if Lewis has acknowledged that he can’t match that, or I’m sure he will eventually.
      “But, I mean, it’s possible that that instinctive unconscious speed is starting to leave him, it does happen”.
      Most read in Sport
      Hill insisted that Hamilton and Russell’s relationship brings back memories from the past: “Niki Lauda had Alain Prost arrive.
      “When the older, experienced driver is faced by the speed of a young arrival, they can get depressed about it or devote their energy to making sure the outcome in the race is the thing that matters”.
      The 2023 season has begun on a rather precarious note again for Hamilton’s Mercedes team.
      Though it is Hamilton who has claimed the team’s best finish so far in this campaign, crossing the line in P2 in Australia.
      That did come after Russell, who had earlier been leading his team-mate, was forced to retire prematurely after his car set on fire. More

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      Craig Breen’s heartbreaking final post before tragic death after rally driver was killed in horror crash

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      WE CAN reveal the heartbreaking final post made by Craig Breen before the rally driver was tragically killed.The star passed away at the age of 33 following a fatal crash.
      Craig Breen has tragically died after a crash aged just 33Credit: Getty
      The Irish racer collided with a pole between Stari Golubovac and Lobora while testing the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 ahead of the Croatia Rally next week.
      Co-driver James Fulton came away unscathed, but it has now been confirmed that Breen sadly died.
      Just three days ago, the motorsport ace posted a snap of himself smiling on Instagram along with the caption: “When someone tells you we’re back in the Rally1 car again this week..
      “Can’t wait to get my first taste of the @hmsgofficial i20 N Rally1 Hybrid on Tarmac!”
      READ MORE IN RACING
      Police and Breen’s team, Hyundai Motorsport, have confirmed they are both investigating the incident.
      The authorities have confirmed the accident occurred at 12.40pm local time.
      A Hyundai statement read: “Hyundai Motorsport is deeply saddened to confirm that driver Craig Breen today lost his life following an accident during the pre-event test for Croatia Rally.
      “Co-driver James Fulton was unharmed in the incident that occurred just after midday local time.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “Hyundai Motorsport sends its sincerest condolences to Craig’s family, friends and his many fans.
      “Hyundai Motorsport will make no further comment at this time.”
      Tributes for Breen have poured in on social media from the likes of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
      He said: “On behalf of the FIA, I extend sincere condolences to the family & friends of Craig Breen following his passing during a private testing accident.
      “Our thoughts & prayers are with his loved ones & the Rally community at this difficult time.” More

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      What car was Craig Breen driving?

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      CRAIG BREEN was one of the world’s most popular rally car drivers to ever touch a course.But the Irish icon tragically lost his life during a test event in Poland
      Craig Breen tragically passed away at age 33Credit: Getty
      The news has shocked the motorsport industry as Breen was set to figure in the 2023 Croatia Rally which gets underway next week.
      And SunSport has knowledge on the car Breen was driving when the horrific accident took place.
      What car was Craig Breen driving?
      Breen, 33, drove for the works Hyundai Motorsport team and was conducting a pre-event test in his i20 N Rally 1 when the fatal incident happened.
      His co-driver James Fulton was also in the car but he escaped from the crash unharmed.
      Read more on Craig Breen
      The Irish star had been a mainstay in the top level of rallying since 2014 but Breen’s racing career began in karts before making the switch to rallying in 2007.
      He made his debut at a WRC event at the 2009 Rally Portugal in a Ford Fiesta ST and then raced at the highest level for Citroen, Hyundai and M-Sport.
      What has Craig Breen won?
      Craig became the WRC academy champion in 2011 and the rally superstar secured the second-tier SWRC championship in 2012.
      Unfortunately, Breen didn’t manage to get his hands on a European championship.
      Most read in Motorsport
      But the Irishman did land two podiums on his way to seventh during his first full-time drive as the lead driver for M-Sport.
      He was also runner-up in the 2015 European Rally Championship.
      And outside of Breen’s WRC exploits, he raced at the Goodwood Revival in 2022 where a number of classic rally cars took to the track.
      What has been said?
      A statement from the WRC said: “The WRC family is shocked and saddened to learn of Craig Breen’s passing.
      “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of Craig at this incredibly sad time.”
      FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem also paid his condolences, writing: “On behalf of the FIA, I extend sincere condolences to the family & friends of Craig Breen following his passing during a private testing accident in Croatia.
      “Our thoughts & prayers are with his loved ones & the Rally community at this difficult time.” More

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      Who was Craig Breen?

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      RALLY driver Craig Breen has tragically passed away during a test event in Poland. Breen was preparing for the 2023 Croatia Rally, which was due to take place next week, when his Hyundai went off road and crashed.
      Craig Breen was killed in a crash in Poland while preparing for a race in Croatia next weekCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The 33-year-old succumbed to his injuries, but his co-driver James Fulton survived the crash unharmed.
      The world of motorsport is now in mourning for Breen, who began rallying in 2007.
      Who was Craig Breen?
      Breen began karting for the first time in 1999 as a 9-year-old and was the son of Ray Breen, an Irish rally champion.
      It was 10 year later that Breen made the full-time move to rallying, where he competed in the Irish and British Fiesta Sporting Trophies, winning both.

      Breen earns himself a contract with M-Sport and he was crowned Young Irish Rally Driver of the Year.
      In 2012, tragedy struck as Breen’s co-driver Gareth Roberts was killed during the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.
      Craig Breen began his rally career in 2009 and went on to grab numerous podiumsCredit: Getty
      Breen went on to enjoy success later in his career with multiple podiums, having signed deals with Peugeot and M-Sport Rally Team.
      However, Breen failed to win a championship before his tragic death.
      Most read in Motorsport
      A statement from the WRC said: “The WRC family is shocked and saddened to learn of Craig Breen’s passing.
      “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of Craig at this incredibly sad time.”
      FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem also paid his condolences, writing: “On behalf of the FIA, I extend sincere condolences to the family & friends of Craig Breen following his passing during a private testing accident in Croatia.
      “Our thoughts & prayers are with his loved ones & the Rally community at this difficult time.” More

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      Craig Breen dead at 33: Rally driver killed in horror testing crash as tributes pour in

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      RALLY DRIVER Craig Breen has tragically passed away at the age of 33 following a fatal crash.The Irish racer collided with a pole between Stari Golubovac and Lobora while testing the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 ahead of the Croatia Rally next week.
      Craig Breen has passed away after a horror crashCredit: Getty
      Breen was doing a test drive ahead of next week’s Croatia RallyCredit: Getty
      Co-driver James Fulton came away unscathed, but it has now been confirmed that Breen sadly died.
      The police and Breen’s team, Hyundai Motorsport, are both investigating the incident.
      The authorities have confirmed the accident occurred at 12.40pm local time.
      A Hyundai statement read: “Hyundai Motorsport is deeply saddened to confirm that driver Craig Breen today lost his life following an accident during the pre-event test for Croatia Rally.
      READ MORE IN RACING
      “Co-driver James Fulton was unharmed in the incident that occurred just after midday local time.
      “Hyundai Motorsport sends its sincerest condolences to Craig’s family, friends and his many fans.
      “Hyundai Motorsport will make no further comment at this time.”
      Tributes for Breen have poured in on social media from the likes of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
      Most read in Motorsport
      He said: “On behalf of the FIA, I extend sincere condolences to the family & friends of Craig Breen following his passing during a private testing accident.
      “Our thoughts & prayers are with his loved ones & the Rally community at this difficult time.”
      And the World Rally Championship added: “The WRC family is shocked and saddened to learn of Craig Breen’s passing.
      “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of Craig at this incredibly sad time.”
      One fan responded: “I’m absolutely devastated that we’ve lost Craig Breen so soon. One of the nicest guys you could meet. This sport is so cruel.
      “I thought I’d share one of the funniest interviews Craig gave at stage end, showing his great sense of humour. Rest in peace, legend.”
      And another replied: “I’m lost for words… such a sad day. RIP Craig Breen.” More

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      F1 chaos as Miami Grand Prix FLOODED less than a month before race as shocking pictures emerge

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      TORRENTIAL rain in Miami caused mass flooding at the city’s newly-minted F1 race track.Downpours for the last three days have left some South Florida roads completely impassable.
      The Miami Grand Prix returns next monthCredit: GETTY
      But there was chaos at the race track this week when severe flooding hitCredit: REDDIT
      The water, however, was eventually drained away from the trackCredit: TWITTER@F1MIAMI
      And the race track for next month’s Miami GP was also badly affected by the biblical rain.
      Images shared on social media showed parts of the track – which is built in the streets around the city’s Hard Rock Stadium – completely underwater.
      The water almost came up to the knees of one of the individuals working at the track – who had to don a full-length yellow jumpsuit to wade through it.
      Staff at the track worked tirelessly to get rid of the water, which, initially, failed to drain away.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      But the track was once again clear and looking picture-perfect after several gruelling hours for staff members.
      The race’s official Twitter account shared some mesmerising pictures of the track to on Wednesday night.
      The accompanying caption read: “3 weeks until race weekend in Miami.”
      F1 returns to Miami for the second time on May 7.
      Most read in Motorsport
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      The season resumes a fortnight on Saturday with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which takes place at the Baku City Circuit.
      Defending champion Max Verstappen enters the race top of the pile with 69 points to his name following two wins and three podium finishes.
      His Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez is second in the driver standings following one win and two podium finishes.
      Veteran Fernando Alonso rounds out the top three with three podium finishes.
      Sir Lewis Hamilton is currently in fourth spot following one solitary podium finish. More

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      Formula 1 motor racing apprentice killed on ‘one last ride’ with girlfriend before putting motorbike away for winter

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      A PROMISING Formula 1 racing apprentice was killed during “one last ride” with his girlfriend before putting it away for winter, an inquest heard.Daniel Cracknell, 20, who worked as an engineer for the prestigious racing team Williams, lost control of his bike on a sharp bend in Grove, Oxfordshire, and fell into the path of an oncoming van.
      Daniel Cracknell died after losing control of his motorcycle in November last yearCredit: Hyde News & Pictures
      He worked as an apprentice engineer for F1 team WilliamsCredit: Hyde News & Pictures
      He suffered severe brain injuries and died in hospital on November 13 last year, just over a week after the smash.
      The inquest into his death, held in Oxford, heard that he was a well-respected member of the Williams team, which he joined as an apprentice straight from school.
      Colleagues at Williams paid tributes to him and the team sent a message of condolence at the time of his death.
      The flag at the team’s HQ in Grove flew at half-mast and team members wore black armbands at that year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
      READ MORE ON FORMULA 1
      Daniel’s girlfriend, Lois, who was riding pillion on his Suzuki SCV650 at the time of the fatal crash, said that they had bonded over a shared love of bikes.
      She added that the young engineer told friends he was taking the bike out for “one last ride” before putting it in storage for the winter.
      Senior coroner for Oxfordshire, Darren Salter, heard that the couple took a route that was “normal” for them and were heading for home when the tragedy occurred.
      The driver of the van reportedly swerved to avoid Daniel, but was unable to do so, leading to both Daniel and Lois being “flung off into the verge”.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Lois said that she was “fully conscious” but cannot remember coming off the bike, only hitting the ground and trying to find her partner before they were both rushed to hospital.
      Police investigators told the hearing that Daniel’s licence meant he was only qualified to ride motorcycles with up to 30KW of power.
      However, he had removed the restrictor on his machine, which had a power capacity of 50KW, while an app on Lois’ phone suggested that their top speed on the day of the crash was up to 94mph.
      Thames Valley Police concluded in their investigation that the loss of control should be attributed to rider error.
      The coroner returned a verdict of a road traffic collision and said that the medical cause of death was a traumatic brain injury.
      He said: “On the balance of probability a combination of the wet road and the speed, leading to a loss of control attributed to rider error and leading to an accident, a tragic accident, resulting in the loss of Dan and injuries to Lois as well.
      “I have heard that he was generally careful and a very good driver and I don’t doubt that for a moment.” More