Esapekka Lappi’s win at Rally Sweden is an extra special one for Hyundai. Find out why below.
Why Was This Win Special?
Every win in the World Rally Championship is special. However, Lappi’s win in Rally Sweden is a different kind of special. This was not only Lappi’s second event win. Rally Sweden 2024 had a special meaning for everyone in paddocks. As it marks one year since Craig Breen’s final rally. Breen finished second overall last season to Ott Tänak. Lappi claiming the win this time out was special because Hyundai were honoring Breen all weekend long. Giving this win a much deeper meaning. The team wore Breen’s famed “Breenies” all weekend long to honor the fallen star. The Brattby stage was also renamed to #42 Brattby to honor the Mayor of Brattby.
Honoring The Mayor Of Brattby
During Lappi’s podium celebration the team put a poster stating “In honour of the Mayor Of Brattby” with a picture of Breen holding up last year’s trophy beside it on the car’s windshield. This goes to show the team were indeed honoring the Irish star this past weekend. Breen has been deeply missed by the rally community since his passing in April during a pre-event test for the Croatia Rally. Since then Hyundai have continued to honor Breen every chance they’ve gotten. With the team still running a sticker on the back of the i20 Rally1 saying #ForCraig in honor of Breen. Don’t be surprised if the team honor Breen again during the Croatia Rally in April. As well as continue to honor him throughout the 2024 season.
Breen’s Presence
Craig Breen was one of the brightest and most joyful people in the paddocks. No matter what was going on he always seemed to lighten the mood and knew what to say. He was always willing to make a joke. He always had a smile on his face. Breen was one of the best to lace up a pair of driving boots to never win an event.