Promising Irish driver Craig Breen has entered Barum Czech Rally Zlin, round seven of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, in an M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000.
The 21-year-old has never contested an asphalt rally outside of the British Isles in his Fiesta before and identified the IRC qualifier as a good opportunity to measure his talent against some of the
world’s leading Super 2000 drivers.
“The plan is to go there and learn but it’s also a good chance to try to prove myself”, said Breen, who will be co-driven by Briton Gareth Roberts. “I’ve never been to the rally before but I’ve spoken to a lot of people to get some advice. The stages look similar to what we have in Ireland but a bit
more bumpy in places.”
Mixed weather conditions were a feature of Barum Czech Rally Zlin last season and Breen says his experience of competing in Ireland, where rain can be a factor, will help him on the Czech Republic-based event from 26-28 August.
“I’ve got good experience of driving on surfaces when you have good grip one minute and shiny asphalt the next so I’ve got an idea about what to expect”, Breen added.