The full event continues, as per WRC tradition, all-day Friday and Saturday, ending Sunday afternoon.

Reigning world champion Kalle Rovanperä (Finland, Toyota) set the fastest time at Thursday morning's 3.65km test outing, followed by Tänak (M-Sport Ford) and current series leader, eight-time world champion Sebastien Ogier (Toyota) in joint third place.

The event is, however, overshadowed by the tragic death of Irish WRC driver Craig Breen, after an accident at the same course last Thursday, April 14.

Tänak said after the test run that: "It's difficult, it's demanding, and its so hard for all of us; it's empty inside, and is eating us alive, so it's tough but, I promised to give a smile to Jackie," referring to Breen's mother. Tänak had spent time with the Breen family in the aftermath of the tragedy.

"She had so much positive energy when I was there last Sunday, and they are such lovely people."

"I was really happy to be there with them, and thankyou so much for that energy," Tänak continued.

#ForCraig pic.twitter.com/g5vhKcDjyJ

— Ott Tänak (@OttTanak) April 20, 2023

Breen's 2023 teammate, Finn Esapekka Lappi, had also been deeply affected by the tragedy, but noted the car looked great decked out in the Irish tricolor, in memory of Craig, adding nonetheless it had been emotionally very tough.

At the ceremonial start of @croatia_rally, friends, fans, and competitors gathered to pay tribute to the late, great Craig Breen with a minute applause in place of the Irishman's start position #WRC #WRCLive #CroatiaRally pic.twitter.com/2l4rQf0mIv

— World Rally Championship (@OfficialWRC) April 20, 2023

The race continues Friday, and stage two is already underway at the time of writing.

Other Estonians taking part in Rally Croatia, in the lower tier WRC2 and Rally4 series, are Georg Linnmäe and Romet Jürgenson.

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