Toshi Arai, who is contesting the inaugural IRC Production Cup in a Yokohama-supported, R4-specification Subaru Impreza, will make his World Touring Car Championship at the Suzuka circuit in his native Japan from 21-23 October.
Arai, 45, will drive a fourth Chevrolet Cruze 1.6T for the Chevrolet-RML team alongside regular drivers Rob Huff, Alain Menu and Yvan Muller. His appearance at Suzuka will mark his circuit racing debut having spent the last 20 seasons competing on rallies.
Following a test at the Pembrey circuit in the United Kingdom last week, the Japanese said: “I was extremely pleased with the test. The Cruze is pleasant to drive and very responsive, and the team extremely professional. 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 rally 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.”
Before making his WTCC debut, Arai will contest round 10 of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, RACMSA Rally of Scotland from 7-9 October, alongside his Australian co-driver Dale Moscatt.
Like the IRC, the WTCC is promoted by Eurosport Events and receives extensive coverage on satellite channel Eurosport. The series uses Yokohama tyres as standard.