PH team takes 4th spot at Toyota GR GT Cup Asia 2024

MANILA: Despite finishing the races far from the Top 3 individually, the three-man team from the Philippines was able to secure the fourth place as a group at the Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) Gran Turismo (GT) Cup-Asia 2024.

Held last October 13 at the Connexion Conference and Event Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Toyota Motor Philippines-fielded trio of Russel Reyes, Luis Moreno, and Enzo Ison completed the competition in the following spots:

• Reyes: Seventh
• Moreno: 10th
• Ison: 13th

Following the results of the race, TMP Assistant Vice President for Marketing Services Andy Ty expressed pride over the virtual racers’ “outstanding performance” at the contest.  “We are confident that their techniques and craft, which were on full display during the races, will bring them to greater heights in the e-motorsports community," Ty told Zigwheels Philippines.

"We at Toyota Motor Philippines are thrilled to continue supporting and developing local talents in e-motorsports through the TGR GT Cup," he added.

Winners

Out of the 15 e-motorsport racers from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, Taj Izrin Aiman was hailed as the competition’s overall individual champion after scoring a total of 65 points.

Taking the second and third places respectively were returning 2023 Individual Champion Andika Rama (57 points) and Moreno Pratama, who placed in the Asia Finals for the first time (48). The Indonesia team’s consistent performance also allowed them to secure the Country Championship title.

"The heart of Toyota, and Gazoo Racing GT Cup Asia has always been about fostering a community of excellence rooted in our Japanese practice of Kaizen, or Continuous Improvement. In this fifth edition, it is inspiring to witness not only the ongoing enthusiasm from our drivers and supporters but also the technological advancements driven by e-Motorsports. We're excited to contribute to this growth in the region as racers showcase exceptional talent and help shape the future of e-motorsports,” Toyota Motor Asia (TMA) General Manager Jaja Ishibashi said.

“A heartfelt congratulations to all the racers for their remarkable performance today, and all the best to Aiman and Rama as they advance to the Global Finals!”

Meanwhile, TMA General Manager for Vehicle Design Engineering Panat Leelavansuk also lauded the competitors.

“From mastering iconic tracks that reflect real-world conditions to integrating insights from actual motorsports, the skill level on display from all participants is impressive. With the support of Razer’s headsets this year, racers were also able to communicate with their teams, exchanging tips and strategies. I’m thrilled to witness the passion and dedication of today’s youth, who are shaping the future of e-sports, as showcased in this year’s GAZOO Racing GT Cup Asia. Congratulations to all the winners—your talent is setting new benchmarks for competitive gaming!”   Leelavansuk noted.

Tracks, cars

Participants donning five stunning livery designs that represent each country enjoy three various locations and vehicles that tested their skills.

For the first race, the drivers get to compete at the Sardegna Windmills circuit — TGR GT Asia Cup’s first-ever rally track — using the Toyota GR Yaris.

After that, competitors battled it out at the Nürburgring with the 2022 Toyota GR Corolla Morizo Edition.

For the final showdown, the e-racers used the 2021Toyota GR010 Hybrid at the Fuji International Speedway,

Other awards

Special awards were also given, with Aiman clinching Driver of the Day, Reyes securing the Best Racecraft, and Rama winning Fastest Race Pace.

With their victories secured, Aiman and Andika will represent Asia at the TGR GT Cup Global Finals on December 6 in Amsterdam to face off against the world’s best e-Motorsports racers.

Also read:

TMP hails 2024 Toyota GR GT Cup PH winners

PH bet secures slot in Toyota GR GT Cup 2023 global finals

Toyota PH presents contingent in upcoming GR GT Cup in Asia Finals