(CNN) Irish rally car driver Craig Breen has died after an accident during a pre-event test ahead of next week. Croatia Rallyhis team Hyundai Motorsport said on Thursday.
The team did not provide many details about the incident but said it happened just after noon local time on Thursday.
“Hyundai Motorsport sends its sincere condolences to Craig’s family, friends and many fans,” a statement read, adding that co-driver James Fulton was not injured in the accident.
The 33-year-old has made 82 starts in the World Rally Championship (WRC), finishing second in his last race at Rally Sweden in February.
Breen, whose father Ray was also a rally driver, began his career driving go-karts before switching to rally driving, going full-time in 2009 and progressing through the ranks.
He quickly experienced success, being crowned Ireland’s Young Driver of the Year in 2009, and later became a regular on the WRC circuit.
Despite not winning a WRC race, the Irishman claimed six second-place finishes.
“The Irish motorsport community is reeling from this tragic news. Craig is a world class driver and a world class person,” Motorsport Ireland president Aiden Harper said in a statement.
World Rally Championship said Twitter: “The WRC family is shocked and saddened to learn of Craig Breen’s passing.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Craig’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of motorsport’s governing body the FIA, also paid tribute to Breen. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and the Rally community at this difficult time,” he said in Twitter.
