EARLY CO-DRIVER CHANGE TO HELP BREEN IN 2023
Paul Nagle’s retirement was brought forward by one event to give James Fulton the best possible induction as Craig Breen’s new co-driver.
This week’s Rally Spain will be Nagle’s final outing before he calls time on his career, with Fulton replacing him from next month’s Rally Japan (MN, October 13).
Explaining the decision, M-Sport
Ford team boss Richard Millener said: “We all agreed it would be best for James to get a rally under his belt before heading to Monte Carlo. We did the same with
Gus [Greensmith] and Jonas [Andersson] in Monza last year and it reflected in a strong result for them on the Monte.
“From testing and on-event support they seem to be a great match.
James is very professional, organised and committed which are the key ingredients to becoming a successful co-driver. Paul still has one more rally to go yet though, so for now, it’s full focus on Rally Spain and let’s send Paul off with a great result.”
Breen, who confirmed Nagle would be in Japan in an advisory role, added: “I have every confidence in James. He’s been on the most recent tests and he’s going to be in the car for Japan. That gives him good experience ahead of next season. It’s still going to be a step for him, but I’m sure he’s got it covered. He’s watched so many of the onboards and has seen so many stages that way, it feels like he’s been alongside me for a while.”