In the world of high-level sim racing, raw speed is often secondary to race craft. This was the lesson delivered at the Toyota Alive Space in Bangkok last Nov. 25, where Indonesia’s Andika Rama gave a masterclass in strategy to reclaim the championship title at the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Asia eSports GT Championship 2025.
The victory marks a triumphant return to the top for Rama (who previously held the title in 2023), proving that in the digital realm of Gran Turismo 7, consistency outweighs aggression.
Mastering the chaos
The weekend was defined by adaptability. The opening race at the virtual Suzuka Circuit threw a curveball with a heavy, programmed downpour. While Malaysian frontrunner Taj Aiman showed early dominance, the slippery conditions punished tire mismanagement.
Rama, alongside compatriot Moreno Pratama and Malaysia’s Chong Kai Chang, capitalized on the chaos. By balancing grip and durability on the wet track, Rama executed a decisive charge in the final laps to take the first win.
The endurance test
The narrative shifted from individual skill to team synergy at Interlagos. For the first time, the championship introduced a full team format race involving the GR010 Hybrid. The 21-lap endurance run, which transitioned from day to night, required compulsory driver swaps, placing immense pressure on pit strategies.
While Team Malaysia took the win in this leg through clever pit timing that leapfrogged them past Singapore and Indonesia, the latter’s consistent podium finishes were already cementing their lead in the overall country championship.
The final showdown
The championship concluded at Watkins Glen in the GR Supra Race Car ’19. It was a battle of tire compounds, with Malaysia gambling on soft tires for early speed—a strategy that backfired due to rapid degradation. This opened the door for Rama. Relying on disciplined race craft, he secured his second individual win of the night, locking in the title with 74 total points.
Indonesia’s domination was total, with the country securing the country championship (169 points), followed by Malaysia (151 points) and Singapore (93 points).
The Philippine contingent faced stiff competition but managed to secure a respectable 4th place in the overall country championship.
Enzo Ison led the charge for the Filipinos, scoring the country’s highest individual finish at 8th place. Teammates Matthew Ang and Victor Ancheta finished 13th and 14th, respectively. While a podium finish remained elusive this year, the team’s performance highlighted the growing competitiveness of Filipino sim racers on the regional stage.
A victory for strategy
“Winning the 2025 Toyota Gazoo Racing Asia eSports GT Championship is the result of months of preparation and sticking to our race strategies,” said champion Andika Rama. “We focused on refining our approach lap by lap, adjusting in real time while remaining true to our plan.”
This tactical discipline resonated with the event organizers as well. Toyota Motor Asia general manager Jaja Ishibashi noted that the event was about more than just lap times.
“This year’s championship showcased exactly what the TGR philosophy stands for,” he said. “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.”
The top three individuals and teams took home cash prizes of $8,000, $4,500, and $3,000, respectively.
To watch the replay of the races, click here: TGR Asia eSports GT Championship Replay.
Banner photo shows champion Andika Rama, first runner-up Moreno Pratama, and second runner-up Chong Kai Chang with racer representatives from each country