Experienced rally driver Toshihiro Arai will race a fourth Chevrolet Cruze for the works RML-run Chevrolet team at Suzuka. Arai, 44, has twice won the FIA Production Car World Rally Championship and makes his circuit racing debut at Suzuka on the 23rd October.
The Japanese star’s appearance at his home event marks the second time that the Chevrolet team have run a fourth car this year, after an additional entry was given to Brazilian star Carlos Bueno at the first meeting of the year in Brazil.
For Arai, the opportunity to go racing with one of the world’s best touring car teams was too good an opportunity to miss. Arai built his reputation in rallying, including taking the PWRC title in 2005 and 2007 at the wheel of Subaru machinery.
Prior to his debut in the series he took part in a test at the Pembrey circuit in South Wales, UK, last Thursday.
“The Cruze is pleasant to drive and very responsive, and the team extremely professional,” said Arai ahead of his debut. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to race my home WTCC event and to do it with Chevrolet.
“This will be a new experience for me, but the philosophy of WTCC and WRC Production Cars is the same and I hope I can adapt quickly. To debut in the WTCC with the Cruze and the reigning World Champion team is the best proposition one could dream of!”