Sepang – The curtain comes down on the 2025 VIOS Challenge (Season 8) this weekend as Round 4 delivers a thrilling finale at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit, with a combined RM300,000 prize pool and multiple championship titles still up for grabs. The decisive final two races will take place on 9 and 10 January 2026, marking the series’ first-ever competitive outing on Sepang’s South Track.
The Season 8 finale will crown champions across the Super Sporting, Sporting, and Rookie classes, while also introducing the inaugural New Vios Classic Challenge, a special race dedicated to earlier generations of Vios Challenge race cars. An additional RM60,000 is on the line for competitors in the Classic Challenge category.
Measuring 2.609km with eight corners and a long straight, the South Track is known for its technical and tactical demands. With no prior race data on this configuration, the unfamiliar layout is expected to level the playing field and intensify the competition.
Reflecting on the growth of the series, Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor, said the VIOS Challenge has evolved far beyond its original mandate.
“What began as a series built on equal opportunity has grown into one of Malaysia’s most competitive one-make championships. Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia is not just about racing — it’s a proving ground that nurtures drivers, engineers and technical talent, while shaping the future of our products and motorsports ecosystem,” he said
Super Sporting Class: A Two-Way Title Battle
The Super Sporting Class heads into the finale as a straight fight between Mitchell Cheah of Team Prima Pearl SP Selatan and Freddie Ang of Telagamas Toyota. Separated by just eight points, the weekend’s outcome will determine whether Cheah secures another title or Ang finally claims his first overall championship since joining the series in 2020.
Ang, known as one of the most consistent drivers in the field, has amassed one win, two second-place finishes and two thirds this season — despite carrying a significant 45–50 kg ballast penalty.
“This is a crucial weekend. I need to stay ahead, but winning won’t be easy with the extra weight. The South Track’s long straight may help minimise the disadvantage, so I’ll take it one race at a time,” said Freddie Ang
Mitchell Cheah, the 2023 Super Sporting champion, boasts three race wins this season and remains a formidable rival heading into the finale. The Super Sporting overall champion will take home RM80,000, with RM60,000 and RM40,000 awarded to second and third place respectively.
Sporting Class: Promotion on the Line
In the Sporting Class, former Rookie standout Jwan Hii of Hong Huat x Armada KK Racing is firmly in control, leading the standings by 41 points. With 145 points, Jwan Hii holds a commanding advantage over Elson Lew (104 points) and Dato’ Dr Ken Foo (101 points).
A pair of podium finishes this weekend would almost certainly secure Hii the overall title — and with it, promotion to the Super Sporting Class for Season 9 in 2026. The Sporting Class champion will earn RM60,000, with RM40,000 and RM20,000 for second and third place respectively.
Elson Lew, another former Rookie, continues to impress in just his second year in the category, while debutant Wattanathanakun remains in contention to become the first foreign driver to claim the Sporting Class overall title
Rookie Class: Four Drivers, One Title
The Rookie Class remains wide open, with four drivers still mathematically in contention. Rahul Dev leads the standings with 147 points, closely followed by Ian James on 143 points. Aydan Khaliq (138 points) and Harkiesh Geeva (137 points) remain firmly in the hunt.
While James has recorded two race wins this season, Dev’s consistent podium finishes — including one win, two seconds and two thirds — have kept him narrowly ahead as the championship reaches its climax.
Fans can follow all the action from the Season 8 VIOS Challenge finale through Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s official platforms for live updates, highlights and behind-the-scenes content:
Facebook: Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia
Instagram: @tgrmalaysia
YouTube: @tgrmalaysia
More information on race schedules and drivers is available at toyota.com.my/tgrmalaysia
