Malaysian racing sensation Naquib Azlan, 25, is set to take his talents from the real-world circuits to the digital realm as he competes in the Ferrari HP Esports Series Grand Final at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi on 3 December.

Naquib is one of only two drivers from Southeast Asia to secure a spot in this prestigious esports racing showdown. His journey to the Grand Final began in June, navigating a challenging selection process that tested the world’s fastest sim racers.

The competition kicked off with the Global Hot Laps phase, where thousands of drivers submitted their fastest lap times across three leading racing simulation platforms. Only the top performers advanced through regional Qualifiers and Regional Finals, ultimately earning a coveted place in the Grand Final grid.

This year, the Grand Final will bring together 15 elite drivers representing APAC, EMEA, and the Americas. The races will span multiple simulation platforms, including iRacing, Assetto Corsa, and Assetto Corsa Competizione. Each round features a 10-minute qualifying session followed by a 30-minute sprint race, giving drivers a true test of speed and strategy.

Competitors will pilot iconic Ferrari machines, such as the Ferrari 488 EVO GT3, Ferrari 296 GT3, and Ferrari 499P, across some of Italy’s most legendary circuits. The overall champion of the series will also undergo evaluation for potential recruitment into the esteemed Scuderia Ferrari HP Esports Team.

Last year, the series drew over 17,000 participants, with British sim racer Luke Whitehouse taking the crown. Since then, Whitehouse has represented Ferrari in international sim racing competitions.

Naquib arrives in Abu Dhabi riding high on recent real-world successes, having clinched two major championships in November alone. He won the GT4 class in the Thailand Super Series and, just last Sunday, emerged victorious in the Toyota Gazoo Racing GR86–BRZ Cup in Japan.

“I’m truly honoured to represent Malaysia on such a prestigious global stage. Sim racing has always been a core part of my development as a driver, and to now compete in the Ferrari HP Esports Grand Final is an incredible opportunity. The level of competition will be incredibly high, but I believe in the preparation we’ve put in. I’m thankful for the support from the Malaysian esports community and our partners who made this journey possible,” said Naquib.

Naquib’s participation is backed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Rakan Muda, and Esports Integrated under the Malaysia Esports Accelerator Program (MEAP), alongside Axle Sports.

As Naquib prepares to shift gears from asphalt to pixels, Malaysian motorsport fans will be cheering on a driver proving that world-class talent knows no boundaries—whether on the track or behind the virtual wheel.