Thrilling Finale at the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing GR GT Cup Asia 2024: Malaysia's Taj Izrin Aiman Emerges Victorious, Indonesia Dominates Country Championship

The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (GR) GT Cup Asia 2024 culminated in a heart-pounding finale as 15 of the region's top e-Motorsports racers faced off in a series of exhilarating races. Competitors from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand showcased their exceptional skills, vying for the coveted title of Asia Champion and the opportunity to represent the region in the GR GT Global Finals in Amsterdam.

Elevating the Future of e-Motorsports in Asia

Crowning the Individual and Country Champions

The competition was fierce, with Taj Izrin Aiman from Malaysia emerging as the GR GT Cup Asia 2024 Individual Champion, securing a well-deserved victory with a total of 65 points. Andika Rama from Indonesia, the returning 2023 Individual Champion, displayed relentless determination, finishing in second place with 57 points. Moreno Pratama, also from Indonesia, claimed the third spot on the podium with 48 points, marking his first-time placement in the Asia finals.The consistent performance of Rama and his fellow Indonesian teammates earned their country the coveted Country Championship title, showcasing the depth of talent and teamwork within the Indonesian e-Motorsports community.

Thrilling Races Across Iconic Tracks

The competition, held on Gran Turismo 7 for PlayStation®5 (PS5®) and PlayStation®4 (PS4®), saw a blend of strategic prowess, precision driving, and bold moves across three races. Fans were treated to an unforgettable showdown on iconic tracks like Sardegna Windmills, Nürburgring Grand Prix (GP), and Fuji International Speedway.In the first race on the Sardegna Windmills circuit, Rama took an early lead and maintained it throughout, showcasing his exceptional driving skills. The mid-race battles between drivers from Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia kept the action intense, with lap times separated by less than half a minute.The second race at Nürburgring GP featured a reverse grid, with Pratama taking advantage of his eighth-place starting position to climb up the ranks and secure the race win. The challenging track conditions, including rain, led to numerous position changes and strategic decisions by the drivers.The final showdown at the technically demanding Fuji International Speedway tested the racers' strategies to the limit. Pratama engaged in a fierce battle with Malaysia's Iqbal Suji, employing offensive and defensive maneuvers to ultimately overtake and claim fourth place. Aiman, who opted for a well-timed pit stop strategy, maintained his lead and secured the win in the third race.

Recognizing Exceptional Performances

In addition to the Individual and Country Championships, special awards were presented to recognize the drivers' exceptional performances. Aiman was named the Driver of the Day, the Philippines' Russel Reyes received the Best Racecraft Driver award, and Rama was awarded the Fastest Race Pace.The GR GT Cup Asia Finals 2024 also welcomed Razer Inc. as the official headset partner, equipping the racers with the Razer BlackShark V2 X e-sports headset, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration within their teams.

Preparing for the Global Finals

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. The top three individuals and teams each received a cash prize of USD 8,000, USD 4,500, and USD 3,000, respectively, in recognition of their outstanding achievements.The GR GT Cup Asia 2024 has once again showcased the exceptional talent and dedication of the region's e-Motorsports community. As the sport continues to evolve, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing team remains committed to fostering a community of excellence and contributing to the growth of e-Motorsports in Asia and beyond.