The new Toyota Vios debuted in the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Vios Challenge Season 7, where young drivers dominated the opening race, with 6 out of the top 9 drivers coming from three different classes of racing. The Race 1 took place at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit, featuring 34 cars in a 1-hour race. The third-generation Toyota Vios boasts a 1.5-liter engine and a five-speed manual transmission, with an enhanced platform and aerodynamics that required all drivers to quickly adapt.
In the Super Sporting Class, Naquib Azlan took the lead from pole position and maintained it throughout the race, finishing ahead of Mitchell Cheah and Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel. Naquib expressed his satisfaction with the result, highlighting his belief in his capabilities. His younger brother, Nabil, also performed well in his debut in the professional class, showcasing his ability to compete alongside more experienced drivers.
The race also saw 18-year-old karter Adam Mikail winning in the Rookie Class, followed by Brandon Ho and Amirul Afiq. Ho shared his excitement at racing with both rookie and experienced drivers, noting some challenges he faced during the race. The Rookie Class also featured Audrey Leong, Raja Amirul, and Kingston Tan.
In the Sporting Class, Shafiq Samsudin emerged as the top driver among 17 competitors, overcoming challenges related to adapting to a new car. Thai driver Panithan Rakpaibulsombut finished second in his first international race, followed by Kenneth Koh. Season 7 of the Vios Challenge marks the first time international drivers have participated, including Aman Nagdev from India and Daniel Rein Ooi from Singapore.
Overall, 34 drivers will compete in Season 7 for a total of RM630,000 in prize money. The series emphasizes fair play by requiring all competitors to drive identically-prepared race cars, promoting driving skill and technical preparation. Since its inception in 2017, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Vios Challenge has become the most watched local racing series, attracting nearly 30 million online viewers and 220,000 on-ground spectators.
The Toyota GAZOO Racing Young Driver Development Program has groomed talented drivers like Naquib and Nabil Azlan, helping them transition from simulator racing and karting to saloon car racing. The program, now in its fourth year, aims to nurture the next generation of racing talent. Season 7 of the Vios Challenge promises exciting competition as young drivers continue to make their mark on the racing scene.
For more information, log on to http://www.toyota.com.my/en/tgrmalaysia or catch the live racing action for all three rounds via these platforms:
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