Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Challenge Finale previews spectacular wheel-to-wheel racing on day 1

KUALA LUMPUR: UMW Toyota conducted Race 1 of Season 4’s Vios Challenge Finale on November 20 at the Sepang International Circuit. The first-ever night race in the history of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival previewed spectacular wheel-to-wheel racing and drama, however, for the winners of the overall season champions, enthusiasts need to wait for Race 2. Meanwhile, let’s check out the positions of Race 1.

Promotional Class

In the Promotional Class, Shukri Yahaya pushed hard to lead the race from start to finish, which made Zizan Razak grab the second position after facing pressure from Khai Bahar and Akio Takeyama. For five laps, Takeyama held the second spot but Zizan in lap 11 made an aggressive overtaking, Khai, on the other hand, settled at fourth place. 

“I did my best to get away from Zizan as the battle behind me took place, but in the latter part of the race, I began to notice him coming back even stronger. It was a good fight to the finish and it was unfortunate that there was a penalty involved, but that’s racing,” said Shukri. 

Takeyama, who is also Chief Motorsports Officer of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Malaysia, said “From an organizer’s point of view, we welcome any feedback with regards to the organizing of the first night race in the Vios Challenge. From a driver’s point of view, however, I can tell you that the concept of a night race provided better concentration, cooler conditions, exceptional visibility, and it was even more exciting with the absence of disturbance from too much glare as a result of the sunlight.”

In the first lap of the race, Nabila Razali and Ahirine Ahirudin tangled that led to dropping the duo to the back of the field. So the fifth, sixth and seventh positions were taken by Talitha Tan, Janna Nick, and Wany Hasrita, respectively. 

Super Sporting Class

Telagamas Toyota’s Freddie Ang grabbed the first position in the Super Sporting race for elite and professional drivers. Laser Motor Racing’s Mark Darwin and Prime Pearl Auto’s Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel got second and third place, respectively. Tengku Djan showed a spectacular jump from tenth to third position.

“We had a good car throughout the weekend and I needed to drive a clever race. I have to drive smart for tomorrow’s final race as I am back to 40kg ballast which is a huge disadvantage. It’s a question of trying to make up for all the missed points in Round 2,” said Tengku Djan.

Sporting Class

The Sporting Class also unfolded an amazing late-night drama where 23 Motors’ Ady Rahimy had a strong drive but after a post-race penalty, he settle for a second-place and Bradley Benedict Anthony appeared as the race winner. “I want to thank my team for giving me the opportunity to race for them. I’m quite certain that fitness played a big part in tonight’s race, and secondly I did a lot of simulator training to prepare myself for the race,” said Ady. 

The third position was grabbed by Dannies Ng while Amirul and Shawn Lee of Laser Motor Racing got fourth and fifth places, respectively.

Rookie Class

In the Rookie Class, Putera Adam win the 20-lap race, and Jwan Hii and Naquib Azlan grabbed second and third positions. Mika Hakimi took a stop for a technical issue that dropped him to fifth place behind Amer Harris. 

“The conditions were fine tonight, it was drizzling towards the end of the race and everything worked in my favour. Jwan was right behind me, to be honest, but he had made a slight mistake shifting gears, and that allowed me to stay ahead,” said Putera. 

GR Yaris Driving Experience

On the same day, UMW Toyota Motor also conducted a one-day exclusive GR Yaris Driving Experience, which was attended by 27 customers who were part of the GR Yaris Early Bird package. It gave them valuable insights into advanced driving techniques. A certificate was also presented to all participants upon completion.

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