The Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) GT Cup Asia 2024 concluded with an exciting finale held at the Connexion Conference and Event Centre in Kuala Lumpur. The competition saw 15 of Asia’s top e-Motorsports racers from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand competing in three intense races on world-class circuits. The participants battled for the Asia Champion title and the chance to represent the region at the TGR GT Cup Global Finals in Amsterdam this December.
Taj Izrin Aiman of Malaysia emerged victorious as the 2024 TGR GT Cup Asia Individual Champion, earning 65 points after a series of closely contested races. In second place was Andika Rama from Indonesia, the defending champion from 2023, who amassed 57 points through determined driving. Fellow Indonesian racer Moreno Pratama claimed third place with 48 points in his first Asia Cup podium finish. The combined efforts of Indonesian racers led their team to secure the Country Championship title.
The competition, held on Gran Turismo 7 using PlayStation4 and PlayStation5 consoles, featured iconic circuits including Sardegna Windmills, Nürburgring Grand Prix (GP), and Fuji International Speedway. The three races highlighted the racers' strategic decision-making, driving precision, and adaptability, making for an action-packed event.
The competition kicked off with a race on the Sardegna Windmills circuit, where drivers took the wheel of the GR Yaris for a rally race. Indonesia's Andika Rama quickly established an early lead, successfully fending off competition throughout most of the race. The action intensified in the mid-race, with racers from Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia fiercely competing for position. The race ended with close lap timings, with less than half a minute separating the drivers.
The second race was held at the Nürburgring GP, where drivers used the GR Corolla Morizo Edition '22. This race employed a reverse grid for the top eight finishers from the first race, placing the previous winner in the eighth position. Moreno Pratama, starting eighth, took advantage of the reverse grid and stayed within the top three throughout, ultimately winning the race. Rain added to the challenge, making the track difficult and resulting in numerous position changes. Malaysia performed well, with two of their drivers finishing in the top three.
The final race took place at the Fuji International Speedway, featuring the GR010 Hybrid '21. This technically demanding track pushed drivers to their limits, especially in the challenging last sector. Pratama fought hard against Malaysia’s Iqbal Suji, both deploying strategic maneuvers to gain an edge. Pratama eventually secured fourth place with a late-race overtaking move. Malaysia’s Aiman opted for soft tires early on, and a well-timed pit strategy allowed him to maintain his lead and secure victory.
Following his victory, an emotional Taj Izrin Aiman said, “Although I faced technical difficulties and couldn't finish the race last year, I’m overwhelmed with pride that my dedication and training have paid off. I’m excited to continue training with Andika Rama as we prepare for the Global Cup in Amsterdam. A heartfelt thank you to Toyota Motor Asia for this incredible opportunity.”
Andika Rama, the runner-up and part of the winning Indonesian team, shared his thoughts as well: “Competing against Taj Aiman was an incredible challenge—he’s an exceptional competitor. I pushed myself to the limit, but his consistency and strategy across all three races were unmatched. I’m excited to have him as a teammate as we prepare for the Global Finals and can’t wait to make Asia proud.”
Special awards were also distributed at the event. Taj Izrin Aiman was named Driver of the Day, the Philippines' Russel Reyes received the Best Racecraft award, and Andika Rama took home the Fastest Race Pace award.
The winners received significant cash prizes. In the Individual Championship, Aiman, Rama, and Pratama earned USD 8,000, USD 4,500, and USD 3,000, respectively. Team Indonesia received USD 8,000 for winning the Country Championship, with Malaysia and Thailand receiving USD 4,500 and USD 3,000 for second and third places, respectively.
Aiman and Rama will now advance to represent Asia at the TGR GT Cup Global Finals in Amsterdam on December 6, where they will compete against the world’s best e-Motorsports racers.