Why WRC Croatia victory was “quite special” for Takamoto Katsuta’s co-driver

TL;DR

Takamoto Katsuta's co-driver, Aaron Johnston, expressed that winning in Croatia was particularly meaningful as it marked the third anniversary of Craig Breen's passing. Breen, a beloved figure in WRC, was honored with a special livery on Hyundai cars during the event.

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Takamoto Katsuta’s World Rally Championship co-driver Aaron Johnston says it was “quite special” for an Irishman to win in Croatia on the third anniversary of Craig Breen’s passing.

Former Citroen and Hyundai factory WRC driver Breen is always in the minds of the WRC service park when the championship heads to Croatia, as the much loved Irishman lost his life in a testing crash preparing for the 2023 edition.

With the WRC returning to Croatia after a season away this year, Hyundai paid tribute to its former driver with a special livery adorning its cars, featuring Breen’s smiling face and his “flat to the square right” catchphrase. This was in addition to the “For Craig” moniker that has featured on its cars at every event since Breen’s death.

Hyundai came the closest it's ever been to what would have been an emotional win in Croatia last weekend after Thierry Neuville’s final stage blunder. But in the absence of a Hyundai win, it was equally fitting for an Irishman to stand on the top step of the podium, a day before the anniversary of Breen’s passing.

Takamoto Katsuta, Aaron Johnston, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

“First of all, sorry for Thierry, Martijn and Hyundai. We had a puncture yesterday [Saturday] when we were in the fight for the lead with them. It has been a bit of a crazy rally, crazy day, I mean every day was crazy. To come home P1 again, two in a row is pretty surreal.

“I think they say: 'you wait all day for a bus and then two come at once'.

“It was a good weekend, and it has been a strong start to the season and for Toyota so we keep looking forward.”

After quite a sensational start to the season, Johnston and Katsuta now lead the WRC standings for the first time with a seven-point lead over Toyota team-mates Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin.

“We are championship leaders, but we are only four rounds in, and there is still a lot of driving and corners to do. But it has been a very promising start, and we will build on that in the upcoming rallies,” he added.

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Q&A

Why was the WRC victory in Croatia special for Takamoto Katsuta's co-driver?

The victory was special for Aaron Johnston because it coincided with the third anniversary of Craig Breen's passing, a significant moment for the WRC community.

What tribute did Hyundai pay to Craig Breen during the WRC event in Croatia?

Hyundai honored Craig Breen by featuring a special livery on their cars, which included his smiling face and the phrase 'flat to the square right,' along with the 'For Craig' moniker.

What happened to Craig Breen before the 2023 WRC Croatia event?

Craig Breen tragically lost his life in a testing crash while preparing for the 2023 WRC Croatia event, leaving a lasting impact on the motorsport community.