WTCC switch for IRC Production Cup winner

Toshi Arai, who celebrated his maiden IRC Production Cup victory on RACMSA Rally of Scotland earlier this month, will switch to circuit racing this weekend when he contests rounds 19 and 20 of the World Touring Car Championship at Suzuka in his native Japan.

Arai, 44, will drive a Chevrolet Cruz for the factory team in a one-off appearance in the WTCC. He said: “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.”

The WTCC is promoted by Eurosport Events, the organization responsible for the promotion of the IRC. The two races at Suzuka will take place on the venue’s 2.2-kilometre East Circuit and will be shown live on Eurosport.