MSA co-driver Hall chosen for Toyota opportunity

MSA Academy co-driver Phil Hall has been selected to join the new Toyota Gazzo Racing Challenge Programme, competing aboard an R4 Subaru Impreza alongside Japanese driver Hiroki Arai.

The opportunity arose when instructor Jarmo Lehtinen asked MSA Performance Director Robert Reid to suggest an English-speaking co-driver for Arai. Reid consulted with Grist and the pair agreed upon Hall, aged 26 from Nottinghamshire.

Arai and Hall are contesting Finnish and Polish championship rallies and this year Hall has attended a training camp in Finland ahead of their first event, August’s Turku Rally.

Hall said: “To be a part of this unique programme is a dream-come-true and a huge honour. The entire team have been so welcoming and it's very inspiring to be working alongside such driven, talented, and experienced individuals. I'd like to thank the MSA Academy, Nicky Grist and Robert Reid for putting me forward and for their support and advice, which have been invaluable. Thank you also to the Toyota Gazoo Racing Challenge Programme and Tommi Makinen Racing.”

Lehtinen, former WRC co-driver to Mikko Hirvonen, said: “We have been really impressed with Phil, especially with his attitude and passion to be a professional co-driver. He is really calm and clear in the car and it was great to see how quickly and easily he got along with Hiroki.”

Reid added: “British co-drivers have enjoyed much success on the international stage over the years and it’s great that MSA is able to help another one get this opportunity. When Jarmo called me we had just put together the MSA Academy Co-driver Programme with Nicky Grist and Paul Spooner, and Phil was an obvious choice to put forward from that squad. Having created the opening it was really then down to the way Phil approached the initial test and worked so well with Hiroki Arai that has led to him being part of this exciting development programme.


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