Motors and Me: Craig Breen

What are you currently driving?

As a Peugeot Sport driver, I’m currently doing battle in the 2014 European Rally Championship, in a Peugeot 208 T16 280bhp rally car. When I’m home, in Ireland, I drive a Peugeot 208 GTi.

Love at first sight, or just a means to get from A to B?

Very much love at first sight, in both cases. I’ve been working with Peugeot Sport very closely on the development of the new Peugeot 208 T16. I know it intimately and have worked really hard, alongside the technical team, to prepare the car for this season and beyond. I’ve lived and breathed it for quite some time. Yet, even 12 months later, every time I step into it, it feels so good, my heart still races. Back home, the Peugeot 208 GTi is also great fun. It’s a road-legal go-kart that not only looks fantastic, but makes me feel like a teenager again.!

What’s under the bonnet?

The T16 has a brand-new, 1.6-litre, 280bhp engine. It’s hard to believe that a 1.6-litre petrol can produce this enormous, raw power. The GTI itself has a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, producing 200bhp, which is more than enough, I can tell you. I’m a Road Safety Authority brand ambassador, and whilst I love the performance of the GTi, I never become blasé. Drivers should always put safety first.

Petrol head or Sunday driver?

Petrol head: I live and breathe everything to do with rallying and cars.

What was your first car?

A wine, 1400 Honda Civic, which I inherited from my sister. In fact, a lot of my cars were inherited. I still don’t actually own a car of my own today.

What else do you/did you own?

I’ve had everything from a Fiesta ST to a BMW 330d, but, I have to say, nothing comes close to my Peugeot 208 GTi now — I’m hooked.

Dream drive in dream location?

La Fangu, the 30km coast road that brings you into the town of Calvi in Corsica — it’s also the opening stage of the Tour de Corse Rally, and my favourite stage in the world.

Passenger you’d most like on a long journey?

My partner, Vivienne, and our little family — Alfie, the Westie, Oscar, the Bichon, and Puss, our cat. I don’t get to spend as much time as I want with them all, because of what I do, so if I could ever have a choice, it would be them.

Passenger you’d least like?

God, now that’s a hard one. Anyone that doesn’t appreciate motorsport, or that doesn’t agree with it, that really boils my blood.

What’s on your playlist?

I’m very random when it comes to music. Anything from David Guetta and the Chemical Brothers to the Wolfe Tones and the Saw Doctors, I’ll listen to anything.