This weekend, from 3 to 5 July, the Malaysian Viper Niza Racing Team will make a long-awaited return to the legendary Paul Ricard circuit in France after a seven-year hiatus. The endurance race marks a significant homecoming for Team Principal and lead driver Douglas Khoo, whose last visit to the 5.842km track was in 2018, competing in the V de V Endurance Series in the LMP3 Class with a Ligier JSP3. Back then, Khoo finished an impressive 13th in a field of 27 cars in the four-hour race.
“The track is very challenging with slow technical corners and high-speed sweeping turns. There is plenty of run-off area, but the abrasive surface is tough on tires,” Khoo shared. Currently, Viper Niza Racing is sitting 4th in the GT3-AM overall standings, and a strong showing at Paul Ricard, followed by the final race in Barcelona this September, could catapult the team into a coveted top-three finish.
This year, Khoo returns behind the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, leading a three-driver lineup alongside Dominic Ang and Melvin Moh. The team is determined to bounce back from recent mechanical misfortunes at the 12 Hours of Misano, where a power steering pump failure, a loose rear wheel, and a cracked engine oil sump disrupted their campaign.
Prior to Misano, the team had showcased stellar performances — securing 6th overall, 4th in the GT3 class, and 2nd in GT3 AM at the Michelin 12 Hours of Spa Francorchamps, plus a victory in the GT AM Masters class and 2nd place in GT AM at the Motul 12 Hours of Sepang.
“Until Misano, the car was performing brilliantly, lifting the team onto the podium multiple times. We’re now replacing parts that have reached their optimal mileage. Racing always carries risks and uncertainties, especially with component failures, but that’s part of the sport,” Khoo explained.
He remains optimistic about Paul Ricard: “We’re putting the setback behind us and focusing on a strong weekend to regain podium momentum. As an all-Malaysian team competing in the International Michelin 24H Series, we’ve made great strides in 2025 and are eager to achieve that elusive overall podium finish.”
The Paul Ricard circuit, opened in 1970, is famed for its safety innovations and challenging 15-turn layout. It has hosted the FIA Formula One French Grand Prix multiple times and continues to be a premier venue for international motorsport events including F1, Formula 2, the European Le Mans Series, and GT championships.
Viper Niza Racing is supported by Motul, Endless & Momentum Autoparts, with IWC as their Official Watch Brand, and hospitality from Jen Orchard Gateway Hotel in Singapore — all fueling their pursuit of endurance racing glory on the global stage.
