A Hyundai rally partnership that began with an Irishman and Welshman in 2020 has continued to thrive despite tragedy. The duo teamed up for the final WRC round in Japan last year ahead of the 2023 campaign. The plan was to have them share the third factory i20 N. Despite the partnership being cut short, the legacy lives on through the Hyundai Rally Partnership.
Meeke Takes Over Breen’s Seat
Following the tragic death of the Welshman, Fulton, who had committed to partnering Breen in the Portuguese Rally Championship, was left without a co-driver. Five-time WRC rally winner Meeke stepped in to fill the seat. He was a former team-mate and close friend of Breen and ran in special livery to honour the late Hyundai factory driver. Meeke claimed an emotional victory at Rali Terras d’Aboboreira last weekend alongside Ola Floene, who stepped into the co-driver seat.
Fulton Joins Meeke to Finish What They Started
Despite the tragedy, Fulton has decided to continue the Portuguese Rally Championship programme he started alongside Breen for the remainder of the season. He now joins Meeke to honour his former co-driver. The next round of the Portuguese national championship will be held at Rally Portugal next weekend, which will also host the fifth round of the WRC season.
“It was a very tough moment, but I feel, now, ready to return,” said Fulton. “It wasn’t an easy decision, but I know it’s what Craig would have wanted. I started this challenge with him, and I feel the best way to honour him is to finish what we started together.” The partnership between the Irishman and Welshman may have been cut short, but the Hyundai Rally Partnership continues to honour their legacy.
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