Breen tests new Citroen challenger ahead of Circuit of Ireland defence

Reigning Circuit of Ireland winner Craig Breen tested his Dgm-prepared Citroen DS 3 R5 for the first time last weekend.

The Waterford driver will attempt to defend the Circuit win for the first time with co-driver Scott Martin, a feat not achieved since Derek Mcgarrity in 2010-11. Breen used a Peugeot 208 T16 R5 on last year’s rally.

“We did a lot of development work for the car but that was the first time in it on wet Tarmac,” explained Breen. “A lot of the components are the same, it’s almost identical to the Peugeot and we had a lot of data from last year, so I’m happy with how it [the test] went.

“It will be tougher this year [to win] as there are a lot of quick drivers, plus the stages will be tougher. There’s one day that is relatively new to everyone.

“It’s going to be a hell of a rally that’s for sure.”