Photo: WTCC Media

Toshihiro Arai in fourth Chevrolet Cruze

Japanese rally driver Toshihiro Arai is going to drive a fourth Chevrolet Cruze in the FIA World Touring Car Championship races at Suzuka.
“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,” said Arai.

The 45-year-old completed a test with Chevrolet last Thursday at Pembrey, UK, and was happy with his first ever touring car experience.
“I was extremely pleased with the test. The Cruze is pleasant to drive and very responsive, and the team extremely professional,” said Arai.

Arai has mainly driven the FIA World Rally Championship, with the peak seasons in 2005 and 2007 when he clinched the FIA Production Car World Rally Championship titles.
“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!” said Arai.