Tokyo - The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., announced today that, running on its ADVAN rally tires, Mr. Toshihiro Arai took the overall championship in the Production Cup in the popular Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) in Europe. Yokohama Rubber provided the ADVAN A006T (for tarmac) and ADVAN A053 (for gravel) allowing stable driving and high performance on all types of road surfaces, making possible the victory.

In an effort to improve recognition of ADVAN rally tires in Europe, Yokohama Rubber participated in the IRC with proven drivers Mr. Arai and Mr. Fumio Nutahara. Both drove SUBARU IMPREZA R4 STI featuring enhanced performance of Group N spec cars. Mr. Arai participated in five rounds and Mr. Nutahara in three. Mr. Arai earned consecutive victories in rounds 10 and 11 (final round) in the Production Cup and took the series' overall victory. Mr. Nutahara, who participated with a vehicle painted in ADVAN colors, finished fifth in the Production Cup, while Italian driver Cavigioli Marco in another vehicle fitted with ADVAN rally tires finished third in the cup.

IRC is an international rally championship authorized by Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and operated by Eurosport, a sports TV network in Europe. IRC is characteristically structured around traditional or significant rallies selected from among current rally championships. This year, 11 rounds were held. In addition to an IRC overall ranking, there are the 2WD Cup (2-wheel drive) and the Production Cup, in which the extent of modifications to production cars are strictly regulated.