Team Proton R3, a division of national automotive brand PROTON, has officially announced the four drivers who will take on the 2024 Sepang 1000km Endurance Race in their new Proton S70 R3 racing machines. Syafiq Ali and Fahrizal Hasan were named as the drivers of car 81, while the young duo of Alister Yoong and Ariff Azmi will be behind the wheel of car 82. The announcement was made during a media event at PROTON’s Centre of Excellence, where the new Proton S70 R3 also made its public debut.

The Proton S70 R3 is based on the Proton S70, the best-selling C-segment sedan in Malaysia. This marks the car’s first appearance at the endurance race, scheduled for November, where the team hopes to secure a record-extending sixth victory in the prestigious event.

“Motorsports is deeply embedded in PROTON’s DNA, and our racing heritage dates back to the very first Proton Saga,” said Roslan Abdullah, Deputy CEO of PROTON. “Despite our three-year hiatus from the Sepang 1000km, Team Proton R3 has stayed current with the latest advancements in motorsports, collaborating closely with our engineering division. This partnership has enabled the rapid development of our new race car, just one year after the Proton S70’s launch.”

The driver pairings combine experience with youthful talent. Syafiq Ali, with three individual wins at the Sepang 1000km, is the most successful driver in the event’s history and will be joined by Fahrizal Hasan, a seasoned racer with multiple class victories in the Sepang 12-hour race.

Car 82’s drivers, Alister Yoong and Ariff Azmi, form the youngest pairing in Team Proton R3’s history. Alister, 21, has extensive experience in single-seater racing, while Ariff, 18, is a karting champion and veteran of last year’s 1000km race. Both are products of Axle Sports Academy, run by Alex Yoong, Malaysia’s only Formula 1 driver and father to Alister.

“Team Proton R3 has a tradition of nurturing young talent and giving them a platform to shine. We’re excited to have such a skilled lineup this year, which offers us a strong chance to extend PROTON’s record as the most successful brand in the Sepang 1000km,” added Roslan Abdullah.

You can check out the Proton S70 review here: