GAZOO Racing GT Cup Asia 2023 Crowns New Asia Champion

The GAZOO Racing (GR) GT Cup Asia 2023 concluded on 24 September 2023, witnessing a series of intense and thrilling e-motorsport races. The event saw Andika Rama from Indonesia emerge as the new Asia champion, employing strategic maneuvers and showcasing impeccable driving skills across three races, earning him a spot in the Global Finals.

Winners Take the Podium

Andika Rama secured the championship with a total of 65 points, demonstrating a consistent and calculated approach throughout the competition. He secured 4th and 5th places in the initial races before claiming pole position in the final race, adapting swiftly to the deteriorating weather conditions. Luis Moreno from the Philippines also showcased commendable performance, securing the overall second position in the championship with 52 points, after clinching the pole position in Race 3’s qualifying round. Both Rama and Moreno will represent Asia in the TGR GT Global Finals scheduled for November.

Event Highlights and Race Dynamics

The GR GT Cup Asia 2023 featured 15 local qualifiers from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, competing for the regional championship title. The competition was structured around three races on PlayStation®’s “Gran Turismo 7”, each with unique tracks, cars, and race times, and the championship was determined from cumulative points earned through finishing positions, qualifying rounds, and fastest laps in each race.

The first race unfolded on Mount Panorama with GT Supra Gr.4 cars, the second race took place on the Tokyo Expressway – East Clockwise track with GR Corolla cars, and the final race was conducted on the legendary Spa Francorchamps racetrack with GR010 Hybrid hypercars, each presenting its own set of challenges and requiring strategic planning from the racers.

The Race Story

The competition kicked off with a tight qualifying round at Mount Panorama, where Singapore’s Fadtris Isa secured the pole position. The subsequent 7-lap race saw multiple lead changes, technical issues, and strategic pitting, concluding with Isa winning the first race.

The second race on Tokyo Expressway witnessed intense battles and position trading, with Benaya Theo claiming victory after a series of strategic maneuvers and tire changes. The final race at Spa Francorchamps was marked by dynamic weather conditions, affecting visibility and requiring crucial tire choices. Rama’s strategic pitting and tire management led him to victory in the final race, with Dhanesh Wigneswaran and Luis Moreno finishing in second and third places, respectively.

Commitment to E-Motorsports

The GR GT Cup Asia 2023 highlighted Toyota’s dedication to making e-motorsports accessible across generations and providing racing enthusiasts with a platform to experience competitive racing. The event, with its revised race format and vibrant livery designs, offered a refreshing and entertaining experience to fans and participants, reflecting Toyota’s ongoing commitment to the e-motorsports community.

Jaja Ishibashi, General Manager at Toyota Motor Asia Pacific, expressed his delight at the continued support for the event and congratulated all racers for showcasing exceptional skills and providing a thrilling evening of entertainment to e-motorsports fans around the region.

Conclusion

The GAZOO Racing (GR) GT Cup Asia 2023 served as a testament to the high standards of regional motorsports and the growing enthusiasm for e-motorsports. The event concluded with Andika Rama and Luis Moreno earning their places in the upcoming Global Finals, ready to compete against some of the world’s best e-Motorsport racers. The thrilling races, strategic plays, and the spirit of competition displayed during the event promise a bright future for e-motorsports in the region.

You can rewatch the action at the stream: