The all-new third-generation Toyota Vios made a spectacular entrance into the motorsports arena, debuting in Season 7 of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Vios Challenge at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit. The race weekend, filled with drama, excitement, and new challenges, was dominated by young drivers who showcased their prowess across three individual classes, reaffirming the rising dominance of fresh talent in the racing scene.
A total of 34 cars took to the grid for the opening round, which featured both dry and wet racing conditions. The new Vios, powered by a 1.5-litre engine with a five-speed manual transmission, proved its mettle on the track. Its enhanced, more rigid, and stable platform, along with revised aerodynamics, required all drivers to quickly adapt, leveling the playing field.
In the Super Sporting Class, which features professional and seeded drivers, Naquib Azlan of Axle Sports started from pole position and immediately took the lead, eventually widening the gap between himself and his competitors. By lap 6, Naquib was 1.9 seconds ahead of Mitchell Cheah from Prima Pearl TD Racing and Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel from TD Racing. Despite tire wear challenges, Tengku Djan Ley secured second place, while Nabil Azlan of Wheelcorp managed to overtake both Freddie Ang of Telagamas Toyota and Mitchell Cheah to claim third place.
Naquib, who was the Rookie Class champion in 2021 and the Sporting Class champion in 2022, expressed confidence in his abilities: “I’ve always felt that I deserve to be in this sport and category. I know what I am capable of. This is a good result, and it will definitely be a boost in momentum. I’m just going to keep my head down and stay focused for each race that comes.”
Following closely in his brother’s footsteps, Nabil Azlan, a former Rookie Class (2022) and Sporting Class champion (2023), quickly adapted to the professional class, showcasing his strategic prowess by conserving his tires early in the race and ultimately securing a strong finish.
The race weekend also saw the debut of international drivers in the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Vios Challenge, with participants from Thailand, India, and Singapore. Season 7 marks a new era for the series, with a total prize pool of RM630,000, making it the most lucrative motorsports event in Malaysia.
In the Sporting Class, Shafiq Samsudin of Race Rally KL claimed victory, overcoming numerous challenges from previous seasons. Thai driver Panithan Rakpaibulsombut secured second place, with Kenneth Koh of PCM Group Racing Team rounding out the top three. Koh, who faced significant setbacks before the race due to a pre-season collision, managed to make a strong comeback, earning RM14,000 for his efforts.
The Rookie Class, featuring graduates of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Young Driver Development Program, showcased the future stars of racing. Adam Mikail, an 18-year-old pro karter, emerged victorious in both Race 1 and Race 2, outperforming expectations and even finishing ahead of some Sporting Class drivers. Adam’s success was a testament to his talent and the effectiveness of the Young Driver Development Program, which has nurtured 24 young drivers transitioning from simulator racing and karting to saloon car racing.
The season opener concluded with the top 10 drivers taking home a combined prize of RM110,000, solidifying the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Vios Challenge as the most competitive and rewarding racing series in the country. With almost 30 million online viewers and 220,000 on-ground spectators since its inception in 2017, the series continues to grow in popularity and prestige.
Round 2 of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Vios Challenge is scheduled for 27-29 September 2024 at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit, promising more excitement and intense competition as drivers continue their battle for supremacy. For more information, visit www.toyota.com.my/en/tgrmalaysia.
