Why Kubica’s loss was Breen’s gain

Super 2000 world champion Craig Breen has spoken of his disappointment for Robert Kubica, even though the Pole’s late exit from Rallye du Var ultimately helped him to third place on the French championship finale.

Ex-Formula One driver Kubica was leading by more than five minutes when he crashed on the penultimate stage of the asphalt event in the south of France. Breen, who moved into fourth following Kubica’s retirement, grabbed third on the very last stage when reversed a 35-second deficit to Gilles Nantet to bag the final podium spot.

“I’m really delighted, this has been a hectic rally and I’m thrilled to finish third and get on the podium,” said Breen, who had been delayed by a series of punctures on his Peugeot 207 Super 2000 to the extent he languished in 20th overall before heroically fighting back up the order. “We knew this morning that fourth was possible, so we decided to for it. I’m sorry for Robert; he had a great drive all weekend.”

Kubica and co-driver Emanuele Inglesi were uninjured when their Citroen C4 WRC caught fire following their crash.