Malaysia grabbed the top spot in e-motorsports
15 October 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (GR) GT Cup Asia 2024 reached an exhilarating climax as 15 of the region's top e-Motorsports racers competed at the Connexion Conference and Event Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
Participants from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand faced off in three thrilling races on world-class circuits, all vying for the prestigious title of Asia Champion and the opportunity to represent the region at the GR GT Global Finals in Amsterdam this December.
Taj Izrin Aiman from Malaysia emerged victorious as the GR GT Cup Asia 2024 Individual Champion, amassing a total of 65 points after a series of intense races.
In a commendable second place, Andika Rama from Indonesia, the reigning 2023 Individual Champion, displayed unwavering determination, finishing with 57 points.
Moreno Pratama, also from Indonesia, made a remarkable debut in the Asia finals, securing third place on the podium with 48 points. The consistent performances of Rama and his teammates ultimately earned Indonesia the coveted Country Championship title.
The competition, held on Gran Turismo 7 for PlayStation®️5 (PS5®️) and PlayStation®️4 (PS4®️), showcased a thrilling blend of strategic skill, precision driving, and daring maneuvers across three races.
Fans were treated to an unforgettable showdown on iconic tracks, including Sardegna Windmills, Nürburgring Grand Prix (GP), and Fuji International Speedway, making this event a highlight of the e-Motorsports calendar.
"The heart of Toyota, and GAZOO Racing GT Cup Asia has always been about fostering a community of excellence rooted in our Japanese practice of Kaizen, or Continuous Improvement. In this fifth edition, it is inspiring to witness not only the ongoing enthusiasm from our drivers and supporters but also the technological advancements driven by e-Motorsports. We're excited to contribute to this growth in the region as racers showcase exceptional talent and help shape the future of e-motorsports," said Jaja Ishibashi, General Manager of Toyota Motor Asia.
"A heartfelt congratulations to all the racers for their remarkable performance today, and all the best to Aiman and Rama as they advance to the Global Finals!"
Panat Leelavansuk, General Manager at Toyota Motor Asia, Vehicle Design Engineering Division of Toyota Motor Asia, shared, "From mastering iconic tracks that reflect real-world conditions to integrating insights from actual motorsports, the skill level on display from all participants is impressive. With the support of Razer's headsets this year, racers were also able to communicate with their teams, exchanging tips and strategies. I'm thrilled to witness the passion and dedication of today's youth, who are shaping the future of e-sports, as showcased in this year's GAZOO Racing GT Cup Asia. Congratulations to all the winners—your talent is setting new benchmarks for competitive gaming.”
With five stunning livery designs representing each participating country, the competition kicked off under sunny skies at the GR GT Asia Cup's inaugural rally track, the Sardegna Windmills circuit.
Drivers took the wheel of the GR Yaris, and early on, Rama established a commanding lead, facing only minimal competition in the initial laps before ultimately clinching victory in the first race.
The most intense action unfolded mid-race, where drivers from Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia engaged in fierce battles. The race concluded with an impressive display of skill, as lap times for all competitors were separated by less than half a minute.
The second race took place at the Nürburgring GP, featuring drivers in the GR Corolla Morizo Edition '22. This race employed a reverse grid format for the top eight finishers from the first race, placing the initial race winner in eighth position.
Pratama capitalized on this opportunity; having finished eighth in the first race, he consistently maintained a position within the top three throughout the circuit, ultimately emerging as the winner of the second race.
Malaysia's strategic teamwork also paid off, with two of their drivers securing second and third places. Rain added an extra layer of challenge to this race, creating a slippery track that led to numerous position changes among the drivers.
The final showdown at the technically demanding Fuji International Speedway tested the racers' strategies to the limit, particularly in the challenging last sector leading into the straights. Driving the GR010 Hybrid '21, Pratama engaged in a fierce battle for fourth place against Malaysia's Iqbal Suji, with both drivers executing strategic offensive and defensive maneuvers.
In a dramatic turn of events, the Indonesian driver made his move in the final laps, successfully overtaking Suji. This race was marked by significant contact, resulting in multiple spins and penalties for several competitors. Aiman, opting for soft tires at the start while many of his rivals chose medium tires, skillfully maintained his lead and secured victory through a well-timed pit stop strategy.
"I'm truly at a loss for words. Although I faced technical difficulties and couldn't finish the race last year, I'm overwhelmed with pride that my dedication and training have paid off, leading to a victory at the GR GT Cup Asia 2024," Aiman said adding that he was excited to continue training with Andika Rama as they prepare for the Global Cup in Amsterdam. He also thanked Toyota Motor Asia for the opportunity.
"I'm honoured to be representing Asia once again this year! Competing against Taj Aiman was an incredible challenge—he's an exceptional competitor. I pushed myself to the limit, but his consistency and strategy across all three races were unmatched. I'm excited to have him as a teammate as we prepare for the Global Finals, and I can't wait to make Asia proud," said Rama, who's representing Asia for the second time this year.
Special awards were also given for drivers' exceptional performances. Aiman cinching Driver of the Day, the Philippines' Russel Reyes took home Best Racecraft Driver and Rama won Fastest Race Pace.
The GR GT Cup Asia Finals 2024 also welcomed Razer Inc. as its official headset partner, equipping racers with wired Razer BlackShark V2 X e-sports headset, ensuring seamless, clear, and comfortable communication with their teams.
The championship was determined from cumulative points earned through finishing positions across all three races, the first five positions in qualifying rounds, and bonus points for the fastest laps in each of the three races. The top three individuals and teams each received a cash prize of USD 8,000, USD 4,500, and USD 3,000, respectively.
With their victories secured, Aiman and Andika will represent Asia at the GR GT Global Finals on December 6 in Amsterdam, facing off against the world's best e-Motorsports racers.
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