Proton R3 Team secured 5th in MTC Class at 2024 Sepang 1000KM despite challenges

KUALA LUMPUR: The Proton R3 team, representing PROTON's racing and performance division, delivered a commendable fifth-place finish in the Malaysian Touring Car (MTC) category at the 2024 Sepang 1000KM (S1K).

The team persevered through a challenging race weekend, which saw one of its cars retire early and the other lose over 40 minutes due to technical issues.

Photo from Proton

Despite these setbacks, the team and drivers of car 82, Ariff Azmi and Alister Yoong, showcased resilience and earned respect from competitors and peers alike.

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This race marked the competitive debut of the Proton S70 R3. Unveiled on November 28, 2023, the Proton S70 is PROTON’s first C-segment sedan in 12 years, quickly establishing itself as a class leader in the local market.

The decision to compete in S1K was made last year, allowing the R3 team sufficient time to prepare two race-ready units for the event.

Photo from Proton

Entering S1K with no prior racing experience in the S70, the team and its drivers—Syafiq Ali and Fahrizal Hasan in car 81, alongside Azmi and Yoong in car 82—underwent rigorous testing at the Sepang International Circuit.

Gradual improvements in lap times were achieved through continuous adjustments and development. Although R3 lacked the speed advantage it once held in previous years, the team demonstrated competitive performance throughout the practice sessions leading up to the race.

The race itself, however, was not without drama. An early incident forced car 81 out of the competition, while technical difficulties delayed car 82 in the pits, effectively ruling it out of contention for an overall victory.

Nevertheless, the team’s determination ensured a top-five finish in the MTC class, setting a solid foundation for the future.

“Team Proton R3, together with its drivers and the Proton S70 R3, has further cemented PROTON’s motorsport legacy with a commendable performance at the 2024 S1K,” said Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar. “While we aimed for an outright win, we were realistic about the challenges of competing with a new car against teams with three years of development under their belts.”

Roslan acknowledged the setbacks but emphasized the positives: “Despite the early exit of car 81 and the technical issues for car 82, the team gathered valuable data over the weekend.

The fifth-place finish in the MTC class lays the groundwork for R3’s preparation for the 2025 racing season.”

While plans for R3’s next competitive appearance are still being finalized, car 82 will be showcased at PROTON’s booth during the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) 2024.

It will be displayed in the same condition as it crossed the finish line at S1K, offering fans a closer look at the race machine. Driver appearances have also been scheduled and will be announced in the lead-up to the event.

With its promising debut, the Proton S70 R3 has set the stage for future endeavors, demonstrating that PROTON remains a formidable name in motorsports.

The HI-REV Dream Chaser Racing Team celebrated a hard-fought triumph at the Sepang 1000KM endurance race, with their Suzuki Swift, driven by Hayden Haikal, Rahul Mayer, and Daim Hishammudin, taking the chequered flag after completing 181 laps in 8 hours, 14 minutes, and 25.894 seconds. 

Trailing behind, Wing Hin Motorsports secured second place with their Toyota Yaris, finishing 2 minutes and 38.590 seconds adrift. Meanwhile, Tedco Racing claimed the final spot on the podium with their Honda FIT, completing the race a lap behind the leaders. 

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