Breen to compare pace against IRC stars

Craig Breen is planning to use his Barum Czech Rally Zlín debut to compare his speed against the Intercontinental Rally Challenge frontrunners.

The rising star from Ireland will drive a Keltech Engineering M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000 on the Tarmac event following a one-day test near the Czech capital Prague earlier this week.

“I had a test just outside Prague on Monday, it was great to get back behind the wheel of the S2000,” said Breen, 21. “My last event in it was in June, where I won the Ravens Rock Rally [in Ireland].

“I penciled in this rally some time back as it will give an idea of my pace in relation to the top IRC campaigners."

After completing the two-day reconnaissance, Breen added: “The stages are quite similar to Ireland in places but very bumpy. It will be an interesting event and I’m sure to learn a lot."

Breen will be co-driven by British navigator Gareth Roberts.