The 2025 season of the Vios Challenge carved a new milestone in its storied journey, as it made an electrifying international debut during the Malaysian round of the AUTOBACS SUPER GT series. Held at the iconic Petronas Sepang International Circuit (SIC), the event wasn’t just a race — it was a full-blown motorsport spectacle that tested endurance, strategy, and raw talent in ways never seen before in the series’ history.

Traditionally known for its rapid-fire 10-lap sprint races on partial circuits, the Vios Challenge broke new ground by introducing a one-hour endurance format. This bold shift saw 36 drivers from across three classes — Super Sporting, Sporting, and Rookie — take on the full 5.543-kilometre layout of the Sepang circuit. The extended format doubled the challenge for drivers, demanding not just speed but meticulous racecraft, physical stamina, and unshakable focus.

Adding to the significance, UMW Toyota Motor and Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia served as title sponsors for the SUPER GT Malaysia round, a move that reaffirmed their commitment to cultivating motorsports across Southeast Asia. With international drivers from Thailand, Singapore, and India, the race showcased the Challenge’s growing stature and cross-border appeal.

In the Super Sporting Class, fans were treated to two days of high-octane drama. Mitchell Cheah of Team Prima Pearl SP Selatan turned heads with an assertive performance, snatching the lead early and expertly managing his tyres to take victory despite a mid-race safety car. “In a one-hour race, it’s not about going flat-out from the beginning — it’s about strategy,” Cheah reflected.

Behind him, the action was no less fierce. Ady Rahimy of Laser Motor Racing bounced back to take second, while Freddie Ang of Telagamas Toyota held off a spirited challenge to secure third place, marking his second podium of the weekend after clinching victory in Race 1. In that earlier contest, Ang had executed a smart and gutsy drive, fending off Wheelcorp’s Nabil Azlan by just 0.7 seconds.

The Sporting Class offered its own share of excitement and surprises. In Race 2, BAE Racing by ES Yang delivered a 1-2 masterclass, with Justin Toh leading teammate Elson Lew to the finish. Thailand’s Varunchit Wattanathanakun repeated his Race 1 podium appearance by taking third once again, proving himself a consistent threat in the standings.

Race 1 of the Sporting Class saw Jwan Hii from Hong Huat x Armada KK Racing put on a clinic in race control and pace, storming to victory from pole and clocking the fastest lap of the day at 2 minutes 52.409 seconds.

Perhaps the most emotionally gripping moments came from the Rookie Class, where raw talent met the unforgiving demands of endurance racing. In Race 1, Aydan Khaliq triumphed after a mechanical failure dashed Harkiesh Geeva’s hopes in the closing minutes, allowing Rahul Dev to slip into second while Harkiesh salvaged third.

Race 2 flipped the script, with Justin Rahul Dev taking top honours, followed closely by a breakout performance from female racer Genevieve Ooi, who earned her best-ever finish in second place. Aydan Khaliq rounded out the podium in third, making it a double celebration for all three drivers after they also stood on the podium in Race 1.

Genevieve’s steady rise is a glowing endorsement of the Toyota GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program, designed to foster the next generation of racing talent in Malaysia and beyond. “This race was tough, especially with the heat,” she shared. “But staying consistent and focused made the difference.”

With 28,524 spectators turning up on the first day alone, the Vios Challenge’s presence at SUPER GT Malaysia brought international-level motorsports excitement back to home soil — a return long awaited since SUPER GT last visited 12 years ago. Fans were treated to door-to-door battles, strategic masterstrokes, and heroic performances across all classes.

The 2025 Vios Challenge’s international debut has done more than just deliver thrilling motorsport — it’s expanded the vision of what the series can be. By embracing a global stage, tougher race formats, and an increasingly diverse driver lineup, the Vios Challenge is evolving into one of the most dynamic one-make series in the region.

With more rounds to come and momentum clearly on its side, the future of the Vios Challenge looks brighter — and faster — than ever.

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