MOTOR SPORT:WATERFORD'S CRAIG Breen has won the World Rally Championship Academy title after a dramatic last day. Breen won the title following victory in five of yesterday's six stages in Wales, claiming the title and the €500,000 winner's cheque.

Breen went into the last day knowing that he would have to win four of the six stages to be in with a chance of victory but with Championship rival Egon Kaur winning the first stage the pressure was increased on Breen, meaning he had to win all of the remaining five stages. However the 21-year-old responded with a flawless day, finishing fastest on each stage and winning the rally by 4 minutes and 36 seconds from Kaur.

This left both drivers on 111 points for the season but on count-back of stage wins across the Championship Breen was declared the World Rally Championship winner. The former Motorsport Ireland Young Driver of the Year won 14 out of 17 stages in total across the weekend to secure the Championship.

Breen was delighted after the victory. “It’s an amazing feeling,” said Breen. “I know I was the quickest driver over the whole series so to win is just brilliant.”

Alex Sinclair, Chief Executive of Motorsport Ireland, added: “We knew that Craig had the talent to compete at World level and this has shown everyone that he has the potential to go on and become a full World Rally Champion.

“This is just the start of what will be a very exciting career for Craig and for Irish motorsport.”

Meanwhile, Jari-Matti Latvala increased his overnight lead on the final day to win the Wales Rally GB. World champion Sebastien Loeb was forced to withdraw prior to the second stage leaving Latvala to ease to a first rally win in 18 months.