Tributes are being paid to Irish rally driver Craig Breen, who has died following a crash in Croatia.
The 33-year-old Waterford native had been taking part in a pre-test event ahead of the Croatia Rally later this month.
It happened just after midday local time on Thursday.
His co-driver James Fulton was unharmed in the incident, Hyundai Motorsport said.
Tribute to Craig Breen. Picture by: WRCThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) said it was "deeply saddened" to hear of Breen's passing.
"As well as being a hugely successful international rally driver, Craig was also a road safety ambassador who had a profound influence on the predominantly young men and women who follow the sport," the RSA said.
"It is one thing to be a successful and inspirational sports person, it is another thing to use that status to powerfully and positively influence your supporters to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
"Craig embodied this commitment of contributing to the greater good though his advocacy work with the RSA and Motorsport Ireland," a statement added.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem is President of the FIA, the governing body for world motorsport.
"On behalf of the FIA, I extend sincere condolences to the family and friends of Craig Breen following his passing during a private testing accident," he said.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and the rally community at this difficult time".
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem: “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.” pic.twitter.com/kuIugu51qt
— FIA (@fia) April 13, 2023
The World Rally Championship said it was "shocked and saddened" to learn of Breen's passing.
"Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of Craig at this incredibly sad time".
Motorsport Ireland also paid tribute to 'Ireland's top rally driver'.
Craig Breen 1990 - 2023
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anamhttps://t.co/vGTdrMFv0G pic.twitter.com/p5btsD8yx2
— Motorsport Ireland (@MotorsportIRL) April 13, 2023
Motorsport Ireland President Aiden Harper said: "The Irish motorsport community is numbed by this tragic news. Craig was a world class driver and a world class person.
"To Craig's family, his parents Ray and Jackie, his sister Kellie, brother-in-law Darragh and nephew Bobbie, I wish to extend my deepest condolences and all our thoughts remain with Craig's co-driver James Fulton.
"May they all find the strength and support they need at this unimaginably tragic time."
Breen was also remembered earlier on Thursday's Off The Ball.
🗣"I was really, really shocked."
🗣"I couldn't believe the news at first."
Craig Breen was beloved by a large faction of the Irish public. RIP.
🗣"One of the most well-liked guys around when you look at the tributes that have been paid."@GilletteUK #EffortlessFlow pic.twitter.com/5khdXVTZTp— Off The Ball (@offtheball) April 13, 2023
