Grenoble-based Corys has been awarded a contract to supply the simulators that will be used by more than 160 Eurostar train drivers in preparation for the arrival of 10 new high-speed e320 Siemens trains.

Eurostar awarded Siemens a £550 million contract to build 10 new trains for the cross-channel operator in 2010. Delivery of the new trains was delayed from 2014 to 2015, and the project faced legal opposition from Alstom (eventually dropped in 2012).

Graham Pears, driver manager at Eurostar, said: “We are delighted to sign this contract with Corys for the development of a driver training simulator based on our new e320 fleet of trains. This will play a crucial role in the training programme for our drivers based in the UK, France and Belgium, enabling them to practice new skills in a no-risk environment, before progressing to driving the trains on our international routes.”