Breen announced as Peugeot works driver

Reigning Super 2000 World Rally Champion Craig Breen is set to become a Peugeot works driver in the European Rally Championship in 2013.

Breen in action on the Circuit of Ireland 2012

The Waterford driver also becomes part of the Peugeot Rally Academy, the descendent of the Peugeot Cup. It is designed to give talented young drivers the ability to progress in rallying with the backing of a factory. He is joined by Jeremi Ancian and Stephane Lefebvre, who came first and second, respectively, in the Volant 207 championship.

"This is incredible and beyond my dreams. I am really excited to work with a manufacturer like Peugeot Sport, I think of it since I was a young boy. To arrive here in front of a nice season is a good position to be in. My objective is to show good speed and challenge for some victories on a regular basis. For the testing program, I will give the best I can to support the development of the 208 Type R5.” He said.

Breen is set to contest the Rally Liepāja-Ventspils in Latvia, the next round of the ERC, in a Peugeot 207 S2000. After this event he will get an eight round campaign in Peugeot's brand new 208 R5, in which he will carry out an intensive test and development programme throughout the year. Dave Moynihan will partner Breen, taking over the pacenotes from Paul Nagle.

Speculation was rife that Breen was to sit out competing on the international stage after he hadn't released plans to compete in any championships. However this nine round campaign could see Breen win the ERC at his first attempt, as, historically speaking, drivers rarely undertake a full compliment of rallies in the ERC, or it's predecessor, the IRC. However Peugeot Sport Team Principal Bruno Famin says the team aren't fighting for the title.

“With the Peugeot Rally Academy, we are taking another step forward in terms of the support we provide to the winners of our promotional formulas. The 208 Rally Cup [in France] has all the required elements to be a great sporting success, with the 208 R2 which is already a leading car, a varied calendar and the unrivalled concept of offering a ‘drive’ to the winner.” he said.

“I am confident that Craig will confirm all the good things that have been said about him in this year's ERC, and I can't wait to see how our winners will fare alongside him. There is no pressure on them to achieve results. It’s all about accumulating experience for these young drivers; we’re not fighting for the championship.”

Breen faces still opposition in the form of Francois Delecour and Skoda works driver Jan Kopecky, who is still chasing his first international rally title. The Sainteloc Racing team will run Peugeot's works effort.

Note: The above image is copyright to Jordan Murphy/Global Rally News, no unauthorised use.