Peugeot Sport rally-ace Craig Breen is set to contest the Fel's Point Circuit of Kerry in the much-anticipated new Peugeot 208 T16.

This a major boost for Kerry Motor Club's main event and a opportunity for Irish rally fans to see Breen on home turf. FIA World Academy winner 2011 and SWRC 2012 champion, and co-driver Scott Martin are using the second round of the Dunlop Irish National Rally Championship as a high-speed test session, ahead of the European Rally Championship-counting Circuit of Ireland Rally, two weeks later.

Waterford-man Breen, who has worked closely with Peugeot Sport on the development of the 208 T16, will compete for the first time in the new 208 T16 on the gravel roads of the Acropolis Rally in Greece on March 28th - 30th. Easter's Circuit of Ireland then marks the car's debut on an asphalt round of the ERC and Craig's appearance in Tralee on April 6 will allow him and his co-driver Scott Martin precious competition time to evaluate the machine, before taking on his European rivals in Belfast. The team come direct from Greece to Kerry and will field an asphalt specification car in Tralee.

It will mark the first time that Irish and British rally fans will get to see the new 208 T16 driven in anger, which is quite a coup for the Fel's Point Hotel Circuit of Kerry organiser, The Kerry Motor Club. Fans are expected to flock to Tralee from all corners of the country to witness the historic maiden appearance of one of the most important and eagerly anticipated rally cars to be launched on the world stage in recent years. 

Breen, who is currently fifth in the European series added: "I am so proud to be given this chance to unleash the new 208 T16 at a home rally. I know the car so well, as I was heavily involved in its development in my role at the Peugeot Rally Academy last year. Now it is time to put the lion to the test in an actual competition. I want to sincerely thank Peugeot Sport and my sponsors, Reens Car Sales Rathmore, Main Peugeot Dealers for Kerry and TOTAL Lubricants, for their huge support."

Craig will appear at Reen's Car Sales Rathmore, with the new Peugeot 208 T16, on Saturday 5th April, ahead of the rally on Sunday.

The Fel's Point Hotel Circuit of Kerry has suddenly gained in stature as many of Breen's rivals and the world's motorsport media are now expected to keep a close eye on proceedings in Tralee and North Kerry on the weekend of April 5 and 6.

Fel's Point Hotel Circuit of Kerry clerk of the course Jonathan O'Shea said: "A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to make this happen. Kerry Motor Club is very proud to be part of this historic motorsport occasion and we look forward to offering a strong Kerry Motor Club welcome to our new French friends. The rally is already shaping up be a classic with all of the main Dunlop National contenders, like leader Declan Boyle already signed up. We have a huge overseas entry, led by Welsh man Hugh Hunter and the rally is already looking more and more like and international event."