ANDIKA RAMA CLAIMS COMEBACK WIN AT THE TGR ASIA ESPORTS GT CHAMPIONSHIP 2025

Ison of Team PH secures 8th

- Words & photos by Mica O. delos Reyes

Last November 23, the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Asia eSports GT Championship 2025 kicked off at Toyota Alive Space in Bangkok, where 15 top sim racers from the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand competed across three high-intensity races in Gran Turismo 7.

For the opening race, the sim racers took on the Suzuka Circuit in the GR Yaris over 7 laps. Their skills were put to the test as they adapted to changing racing conditions — from sudden downpours and tire wear to fuel management and strategic pit stops. I found myself fully immersed in the race at the edge of my seat, rooting for Team Philippines to claim the top spot.

Malaysian Taj Aiman held the lead for six straight laps. However, on the final lap, Indonesian racer Andika Rama’s strategic tire management allowed him to overtake the competition, securing first place. He was followed by fellow Indonesian Moreno Pratama in second and Malaysian Chong Kai Chang in third.

Then came one of the biggest twists of this year’s championship: the introduction of a full team-format race. Each trio was required to perform two driver swaps, adding greater emphasis on strategy: when to pit, how long to stretch the tires, where to conserve energy, and how to keep lap times consistent amid changing track conditions.