Just days after the season finale at FORUM8 Rally Japan - where Breen finished 24th overall after a Friday crash - both parties have reached an amicable decision to go their separate ways.
Breen was chosen to lead M-Sport’s line-up for the 2022 season and joined the British squad from Hyundai Motorsport, where he had previously been driving on a part-time basis.
Podiums in Monte-Carlo and Italy as well as several stage-winning performances showed Breen’s potential aboard the Puma Hybrid Rally1, however, numerous incidents at six of the 13 rallies have led M-Sport to seek a more consistent team leader and the decision was taken to end Breen’s contract a year early.
“I want to extend a big thank you to M-Sport and the whole team for everything they’ve done for me this year," Breen said. "It has been an important season as my first full-time drive and to complete that in a Puma has been fantastic.
"It has been a great experience for me to be part of the team, but ultimately, it’s time to move on. I’m looking forward to the future and continuing to build my partnership with James (Fulton, co-driver)."
M-Sport Ford team principal Rich Millener revealed his team will be taking a new approach heading into the 2023 season.
“Craig is a very talented driver and I have no doubt that he has more yet to achieve in his career,” he explained. “But the team feel we need a new approach for 2023.
“We wish Craig and James the very best of luck for the future, and we now turn our attentions towards next season and securing a competitive line-up for the Puma Hybrid Rally1.”
Malcolm Wilson, Managing Director of M-Sport added: "I want to thank Craig for his year with the team. He delivered some solid results throughout the season with two podiums and stage-winning performances on a variety of surfaces, but unfortunately the consistency wasn’t there to lead the team into 2023."
Finland
Italy
Hungary