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Andika Rama returns to claim TGR Asia Esports GT Championship 2025 title

Indonesia’s Andika Rama wins the TGR Asia Esports GT Championship 2025 as his team seals both individual and country titles.

The TGR Asia Esports GT Championship 2025 wrapped up in Bangkok after a weekend of close racing that brought together fifteen top sim drivers from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Held at Toyota Alive Space, the championship unfolded over three Gran Turismo 7 races and delivered one of the most competitive editions of the regional tournament yet.

Indonesia’s Andika Rama secured the individual championship with 74 points, marking his second title following his earlier win in 2023. His measured approach, consistent pace, and ability to adapt to changing conditions allowed him to stay ahead of compatriot and first runner-up Moreno Pratama, who finished with 62 points. Malaysia’s Chong Kai Chang claimed third place with 59 points after a series of steady drives.

Indonesia’s strong showing across all three races delivered a combined 169 points for the country category, placing the team ahead of Malaysia with 151 points and Singapore with 93 points. The result highlighted Indonesia’s cohesive strategy, depth in talent, and teamwork through the weekend.

Key moments across Suzuka, Interlagos and Watkins Glen

The opening race at Suzuka set the tone for the championship. Drivers contended with sudden heavy rain, which forced difficult tyre choices and demanded precision through slick corners. Malaysian contender Taj Aiman held an early lead but struggled with tyre issues in the closing stages. As conditions intensified, Andika Rama surged ahead and claimed victory, followed by Moreno Pratama and Chong Kai Chang.

The competition then moved to Interlagos for the longest race of the event. Featuring a new team-based format, each country selected three drivers and carried out two compulsory swaps in GR010 Hybrid cars. The day-to-night transition created added complexity as teams balanced tyre wear, pit strategy, and energy management. Malaysia’s coordinated approach gave them the lead in the final phase, securing the win ahead of Indonesia and Singapore.

The championship concluded at Watkins Glen in a tightly packed race where drivers were separated by narrow margins throughout the early laps. Malaysia attempted an aggressive early pit strategy that initially paid off but later resulted in rapid tyre wear, opening opportunities for Indonesia. Singapore’s Fadtris Isa produced one of the standout drives of the night, briefly moving into second place. In the final laps, Andika Rama regained control to take his second victory of the evening, with Moreno Pratama and Chong Kai Chang rounding out the podium.

Reactions and awards

Jaja Ishibashi, General Manager of Toyota Motor Asia, described the event as a strong display of the TGR philosophy. “Every racer pushed their limits, refined their approach, and demonstrated remarkable composure across changing conditions. Beyond the results, what stood out most was the collective commitment to improvement and teamwork. These are values that continue to drive GAZOO Racing forward.”

Reflecting on his championship win, Andika Rama said, “Winning the 2025 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Asia Esports GT Championship is the result of months of preparation and sticking to our race strategies, even as other teams pushed hard and made aggressive pit calls. We focused on refining our approach lap by lap, adjusting in real time while remaining true to our plan. Seeing our strategy pay off and being crowned Asia’s champion again gives us an incredible sense of pride.”

First runner-up Moreno Pratama added, “Competing against the top drivers in Asia was definitely a challenge. Every race tested my focus, adaptability, and determination. Teamwork was evident in every lap for every one of us. In such races, it is not just about speed, but about evolving and supporting one another.”

Malaysia’s Chong Kai Chang described his third-place finish as a meaningful milestone. “Finishing third is bittersweet. I came in aiming for the championship, but earning my first podium spot at the Asia Finals is still a meaningful achievement. Racing against Asia’s best pushes me to keep improving.”

Several special awards were also presented. Andika Rama was named Driver of the Day, Chong Kai Chang received Best Racecraft Driver, and Singapore’s Fadtris Isa earned Fastest Race Pace. The individual and team podium finishers received cash prizes of US$8,000, US$4,500, and US$3,000 respectively.

The weekend also featured exhibition races, including a Pro-Am event pairing media and finalists, a team exhibition involving Thai esports teams, and a Time Attack challenge for fans.

The TGR Asia Esports GT Championship continues to form a key part of Toyota Gazoo Racing’s efforts to make motorsports more accessible and to highlight talent across the region through virtual competition.

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