Motorsports | Subaru Global

Special Interview with Toshihiro Arai
"What I want now is the World Champion"

World Championship in Rallying consists of three categories with the existing World Rally Championship (WRC) as the axis, the new Production Car World Rally Championship (PCWRC) and Production Junior World Rally Championship (JWRC). Many Japanese Manufacturers like SUBARU has won many fabulous titles in WRC. However, not any Japanese drivers has won the Championship titles, but with only one-off entries. But this season, the history is about to be made in PCWRC. Toshihiro Arai, on Group N spec SUBARU Impreza WRX STi from SUBARU Production Rally Team (SPRT) is very close to the victor's laurel.

The 2003 season of PCWRC consists of 7 rounds, opening at WRC Rd. 2 the Swedish Rally. Here, Arai demonstrated his extraordinary talent and scudded the field on the top position until he retired from mechanical problems. A very disappointing start of the season. But his return came very quickly when he won the Rd. 2 New Zealand with the new system in full scale. After consecutively winning Argentina and Cyprus, he is currently on top of the standings.

We didn't do well in 2002 with many problems arising (,5th place) but we were always on top until we retired. This year, the whole system was renewed from the second round and I think that thinking "I can't damage the car" all the time was good for rallying. Where I can go flat out I would, but if I have to risk any damage, I was able to hold back. The teamwork with the mechanics and the engineer were enforced as we progressed. I think our three consecutive wins were achieved by the total potential of the team.

Looking at Group N, Arai was always one-off until 2001. But since he made full entry in 2002, his measures towards rallying had changed greatly.

When you're in as an one-off, all that matters is that round. It didn't really matter to the series whether you win or retire. But now it's World Championship and is a full series, you also need to look at the season in full spectrum. I think I was reckless but now, I am technically improved and more relaxed when I am at the rally. On the other hand, looking at the series as a whole, the new point giving system is quite tough. The 1st and 2nd used to be 10 pts and 6pts but now it is 10 pts and 8 pts. Meaning the 1st and 2nd doesn't make a big gap. Now this, hurts. You can actually get points by being constantly in the top 3 more than anything.

Naturally, Group N regulation is fundamental to PCWRC, but since it has developed individually as one World Championship, there are regulations different from Group N to maintain the equal conditions for fuels and tires. With these restrictions, PCWRC cars have more universal and world-wide character than Group N.

PCWRC is like WRC and the fuel is the controlled fuel by FIA. The tires have limited numbers of use, but what's confusing is that the number is different according to each rally. They're restricting so that we can't use all new tires. The local Group N drivers who are not counted in the Championship don't have these restrictions though. But really, it doesn't bother me.

Although PCWRC has restrictions for fuels and tires, what they don't have is the age restrictions like JWRC. Therefore, it allows many veterans like Stig Blomqvist and the experienced like Arai. Formally an unrivalled ground for the local specialist drivers, the Group N is beginning to change.

The drivers at PCWRC are not exactly the "specialist" representing each country but overall very fast. You really need consistent speed to certain extend if you're aiming for Championship. It's very much like World Rally car, you have to be able to drive fast constantly in any type of road just to get by.

The speed at any road. Then, what is the difference between WR Car in WRC and Group N car in PCWRC that Arai had experienced?

Basically, the car is not extremely different, but for sure you have to drive Group N car smoothly. The restrictor is smaller than that of WRC (φ34mm) and isφ32mm. The respond is not that fast and if you're bit late to step on the pedal, you lose like 2 counts before you get the gas. Also, since WR Car has strengthened the suspensions, you can drive though the rough road flat out in care less. But with WR Car it's true the cutting angle of the steering is smaller, there is more chances to spin. Group N is more dull in responding and WR Car is more severe.

Utilizing his career experience in various challenges in Group N and also driving WR Car in Acropolis to win 4th place, Arai continues to defend his top ranking. However, with the regulation stating the driver must enter 6 events out of total 7, he skipped the round 5 in Germany. Martin Rowe won 2nd in this round, promoting himself to 2nd place in standing with only 3 points behind Arai.

I have the last two rounds to go. I never drove the Corse (final round) in Group N before, so I must focus on the Round 6 Australia and have the Championship in my hand for sure.

Arai have achieved many accomplishment in Australia including a victory. With these accomplishments and the new teamwork established through out this season, so much is expected from him. More support and encouragement should be given to Arai, seeking his first World Championship title, and as the first Japanese to win a World Championship title.