Toshihiro Arai with Chevrolet at Suzuka

At 45, Toshihira Arai has launched a new challenge: that of measuring himself against the best drivers in a discipline in which he must learn everything. Previously, “Toshi” mainly became known in rally, notably occupying the seat of a Subaru Impreza WRC official in the World Rally Championship. Among his distinctions, let us also mention the Japanese title in 1997, or the coronation in the FIA ​​Teams Cup in 2000. Since 2001, he has been involved in the WRC, having won the Production title in 2005 and 2007.

Before tackling the World Touring Car Championship event in his country next month, he had the opportunity to discover the Cruze 1.6T in England, at Pemberey, last week. “ I am happy to have the opportunity to compete in my country's round with Chevrolet. The experience will be new for me, but as the philosophy of the WTCC cars and that of WRC Production are quite similar, I think I will be able to adapt quicklyhe said. Starting with the Cruze and the reigning double world champion team was the best proposition one could dream of. The car is pleasant to drive, very directive, and the team extremely professional. I'm looking forward to being at Suzuka and I will be happy to meet Alain Menu again, whom I had the opportunity to meet at Prodrive a few years ago (when the Swiss was playing in BTCC with Ford).”

According to Eric Nève, the boss of the Chevrolet team, “ it?s always a pleasure to field a fourth car. We are even more satisfied to entrust it to a figure like Toshi Arai. We thank the partners who made this initiative possible. I am sure that he will do a good job and that he will help make this round a success. He concluded.