WATERFORD’S CRAIG BREEN achieved the improbable on Saturday as he won the World Rally Championship Academy title at Rally Great Britain, picking up the prize of £500,000 in the process.

Breen knew he would have to win four of the final six stages to claim the victory but his chance seemed to have evaporated when Championship rival Egon Kaur took the first stage.

However, the young driver won all of the last five stages with a flawless display to finish level with Estonian Kaur on 111 points, and a count-back of stage wins meant that he walked away with the spoils on a thrilling final day.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” said Breen. “I know I was the quickest driver over the whole series so to win is just brilliant.”

Alex Sinclair, Chief Executive of Motorsport Ireland, was first to congratulate Breen.

“This is a fantastic occasion for Craig, his team and for Irish motorsport. We knew that Craig had the talent to compete at World level and this has shown everyone that he has the potential to go on and become a full World Rally Champion. This is just the start of what will be a very exciting career for Craig and for Irish motorsport,” Sinclair said.

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