Arai supplements PCWRC with APRC.

Former works Subaru driver, Toshi Arai, the current leader of the FIA Production Car World Rally Championship [PCWRC], has confirmed that he will contest the 2005 Asia Pacific Rally Championship [APRC] this season, in addition to his commitments in the WRC.

The Japanese driver will drive his usual Subaru Impreza, and although based on current form he will be one of the favourites, due to his other commitments - principally in the WRC - he will not be able to contest all the rounds in the APRC.

As such returnee Katsu Taguchi may well be considered the top contender for the title. He returns with the MRF team in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8 after winning in China last year and taking second spot overall in the 2004 championship.

Taguchi's team-mate will be Finnish driver Jussi Valimaki, nicked named 'FastJussi', a former test driver for Hyundai and very experienced in European events.

New Zealander Geof Argyle also returns and is joined by Brian Green in the Silverstone Tyres team. Both drivers will run Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8's.

Kiwi Dermott Malley is running his own team this year and has Argyles co-driver from 2004 Steve Smith sitting alongside him.

Chinese driver Fan Fan, who had a successful run in India last year enters the championship. His team-mate will be Malaysia Chee Hong Kan and both drivers will run Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8's. Due to a conflicting event in China, Fan Fan and the Wan Yu Rally team will not be at Canberra and will begin their campaign at New Caledonia.

Thus far eight drivers' have been confirmed for the 2005 APRC however entries don't close until May 15, so some of the usual suspects will no doubt appear in due course, including Karamjit Singh.