Breen will line up alongside Nagle for the final time later this month at Rally Spain, which will be the latter’s 102nd and final WRC event before hanging up his helm on a career that has included five WRC victories alongside Kris Meeke and a total of 18 podium finishes.
After evaluating a number of candidates, Fulton was chosen to fill Nagle’s shoes for Japan and for the 2023 campaign.
The 30-year-old Irishman has joined Breen and Nagle in numerous WRC events this year, while competing alongside compatriot Josh McErlean in WRC2.
To support his transition to the Rally1 car, Fulton has already participated in pre-event testing with Breen.
“I don’t have much to say other than I’m really excited to get the opportunity, it’s something I’ve obviously been striving for for a while, like any co-driver, to get to the top,” said Fulton.
“I’ve been working with Craig for a while now and have done some testing in the Puma so I’m really looking forward to developing the relationship with him and the car and the team.
“I’m looking forward to getting involved and doing the best job possible.”
While Breen admits it will be strange driving without Nagle by his side as they have been together since 2019, he is confident Fulton can successfully take the passenger seat in the #42 Ford Puma.
“Paul and I have been talking about this for a while, and I totally understand his thoughts,” Breen said.
Craig Breen, Paul Nagle, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team Ford Puma Rally1
Photo by: M-Sport
“He has been competing at the highest level for a long time and wants to spend more time with his family. But without him, it will still be strange.
“I have complete confidence in James. He has good experience; he did the last tests with us and will be in the car for Japan – that gives him good experience ahead of next season.
“Paul will also join us in Japan just to settle everything and give James a lot of confidence.
“He’s done the better part of two years in the World Rally Championship but it will still be a step for him – but I’m sure he’s made it.
“He’s seen so many onboards and seen so many stages it feels like he’s been sitting next to me for a while.”
The Breen/Fulton pairing will make its WRC debut at Rally Japan from November 10th to 13th.
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