'Time to hang up the helmet' - World Rally Championship co-driver Paul Nagle set to retire

Paul Nagle has announced his decision to retire as a rally co-driver after the World Rally Championship round in Catalonia at the end of the month.

"It felt right," he told RTÉ Sport's John Kenny.

"After we finished second in Sardinia with Craig [Breen], it was a tough event and I decided maybe this year was the time to go instead of next year.

"I’m not getting any younger. I’m 44 years of age. My kids are of an age where I would like to spend more time at home with them. My wife has put her whole life on hold for the last ten years.

"I haven give my whole life, the last 20 odd years, to motorsport and it was time to hang up the helmet really.

"I started chasing a dream as a young lad and I’m fortunate enough that I have lived a dream and got to the very top of the sport."

"I felt this year was the time to go instead of next year. I have given the last 20 odd years to motorsport" - @paulnagle1 tells @JohnKennyMedia why he's now hanging up the helmet #wrc #rtesport pic.twitter.com/M3E9xP7YpD

Nagle had signed a contract up until the end of 2023 but he said that his racing team M-Sport and driver Breen had been kept aware of his intentions and that "there was never an issue".

"The reason I’m getting out for Japan is to put the new co-driver in so he will be prepared then for Monte Carlo instead of January.

"We felt it was right to put someone in for the last round. But I’ll still go to Japan to help Craig as much as possible and if I’m needed I’ll be there again next year to help him out as well.

"We have a great relationship and we work very well together. We have gone through good times and bad times with each other and it’s important that I can help him going forward."

Nagle made his WRC debut at the 2004 Rally Catalunya with