Team Malaysia delivered a stellar performance at the Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship 2025 in Sri Lanka, proudly returning home with multiple podium finishes across both esports and traditional motorsport categories.

Leading the charge in the E-Sports Cup was 24-year-old Naquib Azlan, who successfully defended his Gold medal in the Assetto Corsa category. His victory cemented his reputation as one of the region’s most dominant sim racers, marking back-to-back championship wins after his triumph on Malaysian soil in 2023.

Adding to the celebrations, Naquib’s younger brother, 23-year-old Nabil Azlan, captured the Silver medal in the fiercely competitive iRacing category. Already recognised internationally for his performances at the FIA Motorsport Games and as the Motorsports Association of Malaysia’s (MAM) 2023 E-Motorsports Competitor of the Year, Nabil’s podium finish further solidifies his rising global profile.

Malaysia’s strong showing didn’t end there. In iRacing, 26-year-old Taj Izrin Aiman impressed by winning his semifinal before placing 5th in the finals against a field stacked with elite competitors. Meanwhile, national motorsport icon Leona Chin – better known as Malaysia’s “Drift Queen” – advanced to the semifinals of the Assetto Corsa category, demonstrating both skill and resilience while showcasing the growing presence of women in the sim racing arena.

The esports contingent was guided by Team Manager and Coach Alex Yoong, Malaysia’s first Formula One driver and a pivotal mentor to the nation’s emerging motorsport talent. “We’re proud of the results and the commitment shown by each of our athletes,” said Yoong. “Bringing home Gold and Silver is a reflection of their hard work and the growth of sim racing in Malaysia. We’ll continue building on this momentum.”

Beyond esports, Malaysia’s young and seasoned racers also delivered in traditional motorsport disciplines. Rising star Zarief Rayqal claimed Bronze in the Senior Karting Sprint, while 13-year-old Sophia Zara raced her way to Silver in the Junior Karting Slalom. In a family affair that delighted fans, Sophia’s father, Shafiq Samsudin, powered through the Auto-Cross course to secure a Bronze medal of his own.

The Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship, held from 26 to 28 September 2025 in Sri Lanka, gathered over 200 drivers from 25 nations across karting, autocross, gymkhana, and esports. The event underscored its mission of inclusivity, accessibility, and youth development, serving as a crucial platform for the region’s next generation of motorsport talent.

With Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals across multiple categories, Team Malaysia’s performance not only reflects the nation’s growing strength in motorsport but also highlights the unity, resilience, and passion driving the country’s athletes forward on both virtual and physical tracks.