Takuya Izawa to race for Honda in Suzuka WTCC round
Honda will run a third works World Touring Car Civic for Takuya Izawa, the current Super GT championship points leader, for his home race at Suzuka
It will be the first time Izawa, who has won in a multitude of series from Japanese Formula 3 to Formula Nippon, has competed in World Touring Cars.
He has however tested for JAS, which runs Honda's factory WTCC effort, previously.
The 29-year-old will qualify for the newly-established Asia Trophy, available for Asian drivers competing on a race-by-race basis in the final three rounds of 2013.
"I am excited to join the championship as well as compete with all its world-class drivers at Suzuka," Izawa said.
"I wish to thank everyone at Honda, Honda Racing Team JAS and everyone involved in the WTCC for the opportunity to race at Suzuka.
"I was able to join the JAS Team for a test in Portugal last year, and the sheer professionalism I experienced really inspired me.
"I would imagine that getting results will be difficult in such a top level racing series, but competing in a touring car on a circuit that I grew up on is a new adventure for me, and I am certain that this experience will help me build my future career.
"I am truly thrilled about the prospect and hope to deliver a great performance for all WTCC fans."
Izawa has already won at Suzuka this year, taking a pole/victory double in the Japan Super Formula - former Formula Nippon - opener.
He and team-mate Takashi Kogure meanwhile lead the way in the GT500 class of Super GT, where they have notched one win and two podiums from the opening four races in their Honda HSV.
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