Hiroki Arai, son of former Subaru driver, Toshi, has been praised by his Australian co-driver, Glenn Macneall.
Aussie Glenn Macneall and his Japanese driver, Hiroki Arai.The 23-year old Japanese driver has competed in Japan in the past, but this year has mainly driven an R5 spec Fiesta in the Finnish national championship.
Macneall chatted to RallySport Magazine at the recent Lightforce Rally SA, praising his skill and work ethic.
“You can quickly forget how fast he’s developing,” Macneall said.
“Rally to rally, it may be only a minor improvement, but if you look at the body of work, it’s incredible how far he’s come in such a short space of time.”
Macneall was also quick to mention Arai’s speed.
“He’s incredibly fast; there are no issues about his speed.
“He just loves the sport and is willing to learn. He has a bright future,” he added.
Along with fellow Japanese driver, Takamoto Katsuta, Arai is driving for Tommi Makinen Racing, gaining experience for a potential works drive with the newly formed Toyota Gazoo Racing.
It is possible that the Japanese brand could run a car for a Japanese driver at some point during the 2017 season.
Arai and Katsuta will both complete in a round of the Finnish championship this weekend.
- Luke Whitten
Read the latest issue of RallySport Magazine HERE.
SUBSCRIBE BELOW TO READ THE FULL STORY
