Proton R3 unveils driver line-up and S70 R3 race car for Sepang 1000km 2024 showdown

KUALA LUMPUR:  The anticipation surrounding the upcoming Sepang 1000km Endurance Race has intensified as Team Proton R3, the motorsport arm of Malaysia’s national carmaker PROTON, unveiled its driver roster for the race.

The team introduced its chosen pairings at a media event held at PROTON’s Centre of Excellence headquarters, along with a debut showcase of the race-prepared Proton S70 R3, marking the car's first public appearance.

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The race lineup will see Syafiq Ali and Fahrizal Hasan team up in car number 81, while Alister Yoong and Ariff Azmi will partner in car number 82.

This driver setup is a deliberate blend of seasoned endurance racing experience and youthful energy, reflecting Team Proton R3’s philosophy of balancing expertise with promising talent.

The Proton S70 R3 race car, built on the foundation of Malaysia’s top-selling C-segment sedan, the Proton S70, stands as PROTON's latest foray into competitive racing.

Although Team Proton R3 has been absent from the Sepang 1000km for the past three years, the team has kept pace with the latest in racing technology and development, working closely with PROTON’s vehicle engineering division.

“Motorsports is a major component of PROTON’s DNA,” commented Roslan Abdullah, PROTON’s Deputy CEO. “Our competition heritage dates back to the original Proton Saga. This new race car is a testament to our commitment to motorsport, developed just one year after the S70 launch.”

Leading the charge in car 81, Syafiq Ali brings with him a wealth of experience and three previous Sepang 1000km victories with Team Proton R3, more individual wins than any driver in the event's history.

Partnering with him is Fahrizal Hasan, a seasoned competitor in sportscar racing with two class wins in the Sepang 12-hour endurance race.

The team’s second car, numbered 82, will be driven by the youngest pair in Team Proton R3’s history: 21-year-old Alister Yoong, a rising talent with single-seater experience, and 18-year-old Ariff Azmi, a decorated karting champion.

Both young drivers are products of Axle Sports Academy, run by former Formula 1 driver Alex Yoong, who is Alister's father. Their previous collaboration in last year’s 1000km race has set high expectations for this season.

“Team Proton R3 has a long history of promoting young drivers and enhancing their careers by giving them a platform at major events like this,” added Roslan Abdullah. “With a team this talented, we have a strong shot at victory and the opportunity to further PROTON’s legacy as the winningest brand in Sepang 1000km history.”

This year marks a milestone for both Proton and Geely as they debut their first co-developed car in the Sepang 1000km (S1K) endurance race.

The Proton S70 has been chosen as the base model, but it’s been extensively modified for competition. Retaining only the original body and chassis, the race-prepped S70 is powered by a specially tuned 1.6-litre, 200hp Proton CamPro racing engine.

Due to S1K regulations, only naturally aspirated engines are permitted, ruling out the turbocharged option typically found in the S70. The CamPro engine is paired with a 5-speed dogbox transmission—an ideal setup known for its durability and race-winning performance.

 

With Team Proton R3’s exciting return to endurance racing, fans can anticipate an intense showdown this November, especially as three prominent works teams will compete head-to-head in the 2024 Sepang 1000km race.

For the first time in recent years, Team Honda Malaysia Racing, featuring both the Honda City sedan and hatchback, Toyota Gazoo Racing with their formidable Toyota Vios, and Proton R3 with their newly prepped S70 R3 will all be on the grid together.

This convergence of top teams sets the stage for a thrilling battle of national pride and performance.

This rare assembly promises an electrifying spectacle as each team, equipped with top-tier vehicles, vies for the prestigious title.

The Sepang 1000km, taking place from November 20-22, will be a weekend for motorsport fans to witness Malaysia’s finest in action, pushing their machines to the limit. Mark your calendars and get ready to cheer on the local heroes as they go head-to-head in pursuit of victory!

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