Honda confirmed today that Takuya Izawa, the leading driver of the SUPER GT (GT500) Series in Japan, will compete in the Japanese round of the 2013 FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) on the 22nd September. He will make his WTCC debut at the Suzuka Circuit and will drive a Honda Civic WTCC prepared by Honda Racing Team JAS.

Izawa trained at the Suzuka Circuit Racing School and graduated top of his class in the SRS-F Formula category in 2002. Since then, his racing career has included several Formula racing categories in both Japan and Germany and also the SUPER GT Series in Japan. Currently, Izawa and his team mate are the points leaders in the GT500 Series Driver's Championship, driving the RAYBRIG HSV-010 car from Team Kunimitsu.

Commenting on his WTCC debut, Takuya Izawa said: "I would like 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. They are a great ally to have for support at the Suzuka race."

"The two Honda teams in WTCC have a broad range of driver experience too. Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro, of course, have come from F1 and other world-class racing backgrounds, and the precision of Norbert Michelisz with the WTCC race car is just fantastic. I am excited to join them for this race as well as compete with all of the other world-class drivers at Suzuka."

"I would imagine that getting results will be difficult at 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."