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WEC/Round 2: 1-2 finish for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing in Fuji 6-Hours

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing maintained its perfect record in the 2019-2020 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season with a 1-2 victory on home ground in the 6 Hours of Fuji which just finished this afternoon in Japan. The reigning World Champions won at Fuji Speedway for the seventh time in 8 years, this year with the #8 TS050 HYBRID of Sebastien Buemi, Kazuki Nakajima and Brendon Hartley earning victory from pole position.

Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Jose Maria Lopez finished second, leaving both car crews tied on the same points in the lead of the World Championship. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing leads the teams’ standings by 35 points from Rebellion.

Penalties for championship leaders
The new success handicap system was implemented for the first time this weekend, imposing lap time penalties on LMP1 cars based on World Championship position and its effects became clear in the opening laps.

As championship leaders, they incurred the maximum success handicap of 1.4 seconds per lap, while Sebastien Buemi, Kazuki Nakajima and Brendon Hartley in the #8 TS050 HYBRID were penalised by one second per lap. The success handicaps come in addition to the established Equivalence of Technology, which meant the TS050 HYBRIDs were both up to 108 kgs heavier than their non-hybrid LMP1 rivals, who additionally were allowed to use up to 61% more fuel.

With Sebastien at the wheel, the #8 TS050 HYBRID, which carried a one second per lap handicap, held off a strong challenge from the #5 Ginetta to lead from the start while Kamui in the #7 car, with a 1.4 seconds lap time penalty, had an exciting fight for second.

Kamui lost out to Rebellion #1 through the first corners but, after a Safety Car came out (due to an accident involving GT cars), on 4 consecutive occasions, he overtook at the end of the lap only to be re-passed before Turn one. That was due to the Rebellion’s top speed advantage, a consequence of fuel and hybrid boost restrictions imposed by the success handicap system on the TS050 HYBRID.

Fastest pit work
Once established at the front, both TS050 HYBRIDs steadily stretched their advantage, helped by the fastest pit work in the field, although the #7 was unable to challenge for the lead due to the 0.4 second-per-lap difference in success handicap.

With two hours gone, late in the first stints of Mike and Brendon, light rain started. An hour later, the track surface became too slippery so both cars switched to hybrid intermediate tyres, with Jose and Kazuki taking over their respective TS050 HYBRIDs.

When conditions improved enough for a switch to slick tyres, the #8 car’s lead stood at around a minute but that was reduced to less than 30 seconds with 2 hours remaining when Kazuki was forced to take a drive-through penalty for exceeding the pit lane speed limit.

Sebastien took over the race-leading #8 for the final 90 minutes with Kamui giving chase in the #7. The gap remained stable as the end approached and Sebastien took the chequered flag in the TS050 HYBRID’s final race in Japan, 33.955 seconds ahead of Kamui. The #1 Rebellion finished two laps behind in third.

The result marked Sebastien’s 16th outright WEC victory, extending his series record, and the fourth time Kazuki has won his home race, while Brendon stood on the top of the podium for the first time as a TOYOTA GAZOO Racing driver.

Following the team’s second 1-2 finish of the season, the success handicap on both cars will be increased for the next race in Shanghai next month, although the lap time penalty will be identical for each car as both TS050 HYBRIDs have the same number of World Championship points.

This weekend’s race marks the final time for the TS050 HYBRID to compete in Japan. Fuji Speedway has a special place in the history of Toyota’s most successful endurance racing car as the location of its first victory, in 2016 when Kamui Kobayashi took a tense victory alongside Mike Conway and Stephane Sarrazin. The car, which has won a total of 14 WEC races since then, remains undefeated at the Fuji Speedway.

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Abarth 695 70th Anniversario special edition comes with a variable spoiler

It’s been 70 years since Carlo Abarth founded Abarth & C., following the collapse of Cisitalia where he worked as a sporting director of the factory racing team. From acquiring the assets of Cisitalia, he was able to build some racing cars and then began the business of producing and selling accessories and performance parts for Fiats, Lancias and other Italian cars. In 1951, his company allied itself with Fiat and Abarth cars began to have a presence on racing tracks.

Abarth & C. was sold to Fiat in 1971 and eventually came to be the Fiat Group’s racing department. It prepared well known rallycars like the Fiat 124 Abarth Rally and 131 Abarth, and was also involved in the development of the Lancia Beta Montecarlo Turbo Group 5 racing car which won the 1980 World Championship for Makes and the 1981 World Endurance Championship of Makes.

This month, Abarth (now an independent unit in the Fiat Group) celebrates the 70^th anniversary of the original company’s founding with the new Abarth 695 70th Anniversario special edition. Only 1,949 units will be produced, priced at £29,695 (about RM153,300) in the UK.

Manually adjustable rear spoiler
The 70th Anniversario edition is equipped with the new ‘Spoiler ad Assetto Variabile’ for improved grip and stability at high speeds and increases overall performance. The spoiler is manually adjustable, just like in races of old where it was not uncommon to see the pit mechanics make adjustments to allow the driver to change the set-up of the car according to the track. It can be adjusted in 12 different positions between zero and 60 degrees. In the maximum setting, the spoiler increases the aerodynamic load by up to 42 kgs at a speed of 200 km/h, greatly improving vehicle dynamics and stability.

Abarth 695 70th Anniversario special edition — *The manually adjustable rear spoiler at maximum and minimum angles to increase or decrease downforce over the rear end.*

The new ‘Spoiler ad Assetto Variabile’ is a tribute to the founder’s performance focus, which went beyond the quest for pure power, top speed and acceleration, focusing on the search and development of innovative technical solutions. It is precisely this continuous research that made him one of the pioneers and visionaries in the field of tuning.

The new Abarth 695 70th Anniversario was tested in the full-scale wind tunnel located in Orbassano, south of Turin, where Abarth tests all its vehicles. The facility was built in the 1970s and has been continually updated to implement the latest technologies. This is the only wind tunnel in Italy, capable of allowing full-scale testing and high air speeds of up to 210 km/h.

Exclusive features on bodywork
On its bodywork,, the Abarth 695 70th Anniversario features some iconic style cues from the past and present such as the Monza 1958 green livery, a tribute to the colour of the first 500 Abarth that set 6 international records at Monza. Campovolo grey details, an exclusive body kit, mirror caps, scorpion decals on the bonnet and the chequered sticker on the roof complete the look.

The 17-inch SuperSport alloy wheels and red Brembo brake calipers are also standard. The Brembo brakes are fitted with 4-piston aluminium calipers and 305 mm discs at the front and 240 mm discs at the rear, both self-ventilated. The Record Monza exhaust, limited slip differential and Xenon headlights are also standard fitment for every car.

Inside, there are exclusive ‘Sabelt Tricolore’ seats developed specifically for this special edition. Each of the 1,949 units will have a numbered plaque, making the 695 70th Anniversario an authentic collectable.

The 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivers 180 bhp/250Nm and enables the car to reach a claimed 223 km/h top speed after accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds.

Chevrolet to include a hardtop convertible in new Corvette Stingray range

The all-new 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe goes into production in late 2019 but before the first units head for showrooms, Chevrolet is already announcing that there will be a Stingray convertible as well. This builds off that heritage as the first hardtop and mid-engine convertible in Corvette history.

Open-air driving has always been a part of the Corvette’s heritage. In fact, when the sportscar debuted in 1953, it was available only as a convertible. “We put the world on notice when we introduced the first mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette a few months ago, and now we’re raising the bar with the first-ever hardtop Corvette convertible,” said Brian Sweeney, Chevrolet US Vice-President. “And the convertible will be priced only US$7,500 more than entry 1LT Stingray coupe.”

First and foremost, a convertible
The mid-engine 2020 Corvette Stingray was engineered first and foremost as a convertible. The convertible maintains the tunnel-dominant structure and use of high-integrity die-cast parts found in the Stingray coupe.

The team engineered the hardtop to stow seamlessly into the body, maintaining the Stingray’s impressive ability to store two sets of golf clubs in the boot even with the top down. The convertible also keeps the coupe’s front storage compartment, which can fit an airline-spec carry-on and a laptop bag.

The hardtop provides a quieter cabin, increased security and a cleaner look compared to the previous soft-top designs. “Our goal from the beginning was to make sure customers didn’t have to sacrifice any functionality, performance or comfort when choosing the hardtop convertible,” said Josh Holder, Corvette program engineering manager. “We managed to keep the same design theme as the coupe, as well as the exceptional storage capacity and track capability.”

Inspired by jets
Like the coupe, the Stingray convertible’s design was inspired by fighter jets. The tonneau cover features aerodynamically shaped nacelles influenced by the housing used for jet engines. The nacelles, which were also used as inspiration on the Chevrolet Engineering Research Vehicle (CERV) I and II, as well as the Corvette SS and SR2 concepts, help reduce air recirculation into the cabin and provide a remarkably exotic profile with the top up or down. The tonneau also provides a rear power-adjustable window and a vent for mid-engine cooling.

The two-piece top can be activated at speeds up to about 50 km/h and retract in as few as 16 seconds. It is powered by 6 electric motors (a Corvette first) and uses encoders for precise control. Switching to electric motors from hydraulic systems helps increase reliability. A body-coloured roof is standard, while Carbon Flash metallic-painted nacelles and roof are optional.

Careful attention was paid to make sure the engine could breathe when stored underneath the tonneau cover. The sheet-molded composite top stows in a compartment made from lightweight composite panels and heat shields to manage heat from the engine.

A divider glass window in the middle of the vehicle can be power adjusted with the top up or down. The glass has been optimized to reduce air recirculation and wind noise in the cabin for improved quietness. The roof system design, combined with the same rear spoiler used on the Stingray coupe’s Z51 Performance Package, results in identical drag between the coupe and convertible with the top up.

Most horsepower and torque for any entry-level Corvette
Like the Stingray coupe, the convertible is powered by the next-generation 6.2-litre Small Block V8 LT2 engine, the only naturally-aspirated V8 in the segment. It will produce 495 bhp/637 Nm when equipped with performance exhaust — the most horsepower and torque for any entry-level Corvette.

The LT2 is paired with Chevrolet’s first 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, said to provide lightning-fast shifts and excellent power transfer. This transmission is uniquely designed to provide the best of both worlds: the spirited, directly connected feeling of a manual and the premium driving comfort of an automatic. The double-paddle de-clutch feature even allows the driver to disconnect the clutch by holding both paddles for more manual control.

Incidentally, just as Ford decided it was time to offer factory-built righthand drive variants of the latest Mustang generation, Chevrolet has also engineered a righthand drive variant that will be built in the same factory, expanding the reach of one of America’s famous sportscars.

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Mercedes-Benz vívoactive 3 can help to make driving healthier

Most of us spend a lot of time driving, which means being inside the car for long periods almost every day. As we drive, we go through various conditions which can have an effect on our wellbeing and how we feel. The common conditions would be fatigue and drowsiness, which some cars now have systems to detect by the way the car is being driven. In fact, 10 years ago, Mercedes-Benz introduced the drowsiness warning system ATTENTION ASSIST as a world first. This assistance system can recognise typical signs of fatigue and prompt drowsy drivers to take a break.

10 years ago, Mercedes-Benz introduced ATTENTION ASSIST which detects driver drowsiness and prompts him or her to take a break. To date, some 14 million vehicles have the system and it is now standard in Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Now, the carmaker is going further in helping drivers keep track of their condition while driving. With the vívoactive 3 wearable from Mercedes-Benz in collaboration with Garmin and the new ENERGIZING COACH, an integral health feature of the latest generations of CLA and GLE, intelligent comfort is now achievable.

Interior adapted to wearer’s condition
Via the Mercedes me app, the smartwatch app transmits significant vital data of the wearer to the vehicle. From this, an algorithm derives the wearer’s stress level and recommends the appropriate ENERGIZING (Comfort) program while also taking into account further parameters. When the driver accepts the recommendation, the atmosphere in the interior optimally adapts to his needs.

Behind the sporty, dynamic design is an intelligent everyday accessory that makes optimum use of all that the digital age has to offer. The 3-pointed star on the sophisticated touchscreen watch face was designed exclusively with Mercedes-Benz Designers together with Garmin. It serves as an elegant demonstration of the way in which two pioneers in their respective fields have combined their expertise, know-how and sense of stylish design.

Particularly challenging or long and monotonous routes can also strain even those who enjoy driving and are used to spending extended periods at the wheel. And this is where the Mercedes-Benz vívoactive 3 in conjunction with the new ENERGIZING Packages is able to reveal its full potential. The smartwatch links via the Mercedes me App and the iOS smartphone into the vehicle’s telematics system and transmits the pulse rate on the display.

Vital data such as stress level or sleep quality supplement the accuracy of the intelligent algorithm in the backend, which recommends a situational and individually adapted wellness or activation program depending on environmental, vehicle and vital data. Drivers will also have the option to select potentially less stressful routes directly from the navigation system. Some of the conceivable capabilities of the infotainment system can extend to provide stimulating or soothing music to suit the driver’s mood on the road, new-type seat massages, matching climate control, and the ability to manipulate fragrance and suitable ambience lighting within the vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupe — *The vívoactive 3 interfaces with the new ENERGIZING COACH, an integral health feature of the latest generation of the CLA.*

Additional functionality
In some countries, the Mercedes-Benz vívoactive 3 also provides a range of features that prove useful also outside of the vehicle. Apart from monitoring personal fitness levels, the smartwatch is, for example, Garmin Pay-ready, thus able to allow contactless payments. Its compatibility with Android and Apple smartphones via the Garmin Connect Mobile app expands its potential uses to many other areas.

Visually speaking, the Mercedes-Benz vívoactive 3 offers a stylish, yet minimalistic and dynamic look. The 43.4 mm round casing in black or white plastic features a bezel and back in high-quality stainless steel. A silicon strap, colour-coordinated to the casing, ensures that the watch sits firmly and comfortably, whatever the activity. The colour display, featuring a touchscreen made out of tough Corning Gorilla glass, can be set to reflect the wearer’s personal style with one of a range of pre-installed watch faces in an exclusive Mercedes-Benz design. Battery life is up to 7 days but if GPS mode is activated, this will diminish to about 13 hours.

Proton/Bank Rakyat offer special financing packages to graduates and government employees

Buying a new car is a better idea than buying a used one. You get not just a brand new car, never driven before but also a warranty to cover defects over a number of years and (depending on the company), free scheduled service which saves you money. But for many, even though the gap has narrowed, it is still not easy for them to commit to taking a H-P (hire-purchase) loan to buy a new car.

Up to 100% financing
To help those who want to own a new Proton, specifically fresh graduates and government employees, Proton and Bank Rakyat are collaborating to offer special financial packages that can provide up to 100% financing. To be eligible for the packages, the applicants must be Malaysians who are new graduates aged between 20 to 30 years, or government employees aged between 18 to 60 years old.

There are two special packages, which run until December 31, 2019: An-Naqlu 1 – which offers 90% financing starting at an attractive rate of 2.88% per annum; and An-Naqlu 2 – which offers 100% financing starting at 3.30% per annum. Models available for these packages are the Persona, Iriz, Exora and Saga.

Special service and insurance schemes
“Under this special scheme, Bank Rakyat offers customers easy financing approval, while Proton makes it more attractive with a free service package of up to 2 years, depending on the models that they choose,” said Fazli Hisham Shukor, Director of Corporate Sales at Proton.

Proton service — *Customers will also get free scheduled service for up to 2 years (depending on the model chosen), which helps to save money too.*

On top of this, customers will also benefit from an enhanced insurance package. Designed with Etiqa Takaful and Zurich Takaful, the Proton Insurance Programme provides customers special coverage which includes key care cover, flood relief allowance and also all driver coverage, including a guarantee of zero excess charges for Proton vehicles up to 10 years old.

More information can be obtained at Proton outlets nationwide. Companies interested in fleet programmes can send in their requests to corporatesales@proton.com.

More news and articles about Proton here.

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Recalled Honda vehicles being recalled again

Honda Malaysia is recalling 23,476 units of Honda vehicles to replace the Takata front airbag inflator modules as a preventive measure. According to a statement from the company this evening, these vehicles have been recalled before but the reason for being recalled again is not explained. But whatever the reason, this is a very serious matter so don’t delay in responding to it.

The affected models are shown below:
Models involved in recall for Takata front driver airbag inflator replacement
Civic: 2006 – 2007 & 2009 – 2011
CR-V: 2007 – 2008 & 2010 – 2011
Stream: 2010 & 2012
Insight: 2011 – 2012
City: 2009 – 2013
Jazz: 2012 – 2013

Models involved in recall for Takata front passenger airbag inflator replacement
Accord: 2003 & 2005 – 2006, 2008 – 2009 & 2011 – 2012
Stream: 2003 – 2005
CR-V: 2002 – 2009
Jazz: 2003 – 2007, 2009 & 2012
City: 2003 – 2009 Civic: 2003 – 2011

2011 Honda Insight — *2011/2012 Honda Insight Hybrid is also on the recall list.*

The company apologises for the inconvenience caused to customers once again. However, it stresses that this replacement is necessary as a precautionary action and urges affected customers to respond as soon as possible.

Honda Malaysia would like to emphasise that all its current selling models are not affected and the company will continue to uphold transparency and stringent controls to ensure customer safety. Affected customers will receive notification letters from Honda Malaysia with the details of this recall and stock availability.

Takata stock — *File photo of Takata airbag inflator modules at the Honda Malaysia warehouse.*

The replacement of Takata front airbag inflator stock for these 23,476 units of Honda vehicles will be available in stages and Honda Malaysia is doing its ubest to ensure 100% stock availability in the shortest period of time. The replacement of the defective Takata front airbag inflators is free of charge and all related costs of the replacement will be borne by the company.

More than 249,000 modules replaced in Malaysia
This particular recall phase this year does not significantly change the total number of recalled vehicles as it involves replacement of inflators installed in vehicles previously subject to recall. As at October 1 2019, Honda Malaysia has completed more than 249,000 units of Takata front driver airbag inflator replacements, which translates to 91% completion ratio. The total number of Takata driver and passenger front airbag inflator replacements completed is at more than 537,000 units or 89% completion ratio.

Airbag centres — Honda Malaysia has been the most pro-active company in Malaysia where the Takata airbag inflator module recall has been concerned. It has used many different approached to get owners of affected vehicles to respond, making the process as convenient as possible. Personnel have even visited used car lots to locate affected vehicles and carried out the replacement.

Honda Malaysia appeals to owners of vehicle affected who have yet to have their Takata front airbag inflators replaced to do so urgently as it may deploy with excessive internal pressure when activated. The defective airbag inflator casing might rupture which may result in injury or fatality of the driver and passenger.

If you are not the original owner of the vehicle, Honda might not have your contact details and you may not receive a notification. If you believe that your vehicle is affected, you can check its recall status either by logging on to www.honda.com.my or www.productrecall.honda.com.my or by calling Honda Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020. Authorised Honda dealers nationwide can also provide assistance to check.

Fuel Prices For October 5 – October 11, 2019

Global debut for two Mitsubishi Motors concept models at Tokyo Motorshow

Visitors to the Mitsubishi Motors (MMC) booth at the coming Tokyo Motorshow later this month will be shown two new concept cars that preview the carmaker’s future technologies: the MI-TECH Concept and the Super Height K-Wagon Concept.

MI-TECH Concept
The MI-TECH Concept is said to embody the values of MMC’s ‘Drive your Ambition’ brand message under the concept of “An electric SUV that delivers unparalleled driving pleasure and confidence over all terrain in light and wind”.

The concept car features a new, downsized and lighter plug-in hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain, a 4-motor electric 4WD system and advanced driver assistance with active safety systems. The MI-TECH name is derived using the ‘M’ from Mitsubishi and the ‘I’ from ‘Intelligent, Ingenious and Inspired’, while the TECH is an abbreviation of Technology.

The MI-TECH’s advanced PHEV system is optimised with a light and compact unit for this small size SUV, using a gas turbine engine generator instead of a petrol engine generator. This allows the driver to use pure-electric driving mode and series hybrid modes, delivering the smooth and powerful performance characteristics inherent to electrified vehicles.

Its 4-motor 4WD system called Quad Motor with Dual Motor Active Yaw Control (AYC) has two motors for both the front and rear axles. This allows optimum torque to be delivered to all the wheels, bringing confidence to the driver with precise handling for the daily use and also enhanced performance for adventuring off-road.

Inside, a human-machine interface (HMI) projects a variety of information, detected by using advanced optical sensing technology, onto the windscreen of the vehicle. While the MI-PILOT driver assistance system not only alerts the driver in potential collision situations, it also supports the operation of the steering wheel and brakes.

In addition, active safety systems support the driver in avoiding collisions and mitigating any collision damage. All these systems work together to deliver a reassuring, safe and enjoyable driving experience.

Super Height K-Wagon Concept
The new-generation Super Height K-Wagon Concept answers the wishes of those drivers looking to expand their list of destinations and going further towards to the horizon. This concept features the roomy interior space as is standard of the genre while delivering the performance and functionality expected in this category, with a SUV touch.

Few details are available but MMC says it delivers nimble handling and brisk performance while maximizing interior space. It also offers reassurance and safety to all occupants with MI-PILOT driver assistance technology, Forward Collision Mitigation, mis-acceleration mitigation and other advanced active safety systems which earn it SAPO CAR (Safety Support Car) S Wide classification from the Japanese government.

*The Engelberg Tourer concept SUV, unveiled earlier, will also be on display.*

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Visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my to know more about models you can buy today.

Ford’s Driving Skills for Life Programme Goes to Sabah for the first time

Driving Skills For Life (DSFL) is Ford’s flagship global Corporate Social Responsibility programme which has been run in Asia for the past 12 years (and longer in other regions). The programme, offered free-of-charge, has provided training for licensed drivers of all ages in Malaysia, China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

In Malaysia, Ford has been working with its local distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) to raise road safety awareness using DSFL. The programme offers hands-on training that covers hazard recognition, dealing with unexpected situations, vehicle handling, speed/space management, and distraction awareness. The importance of the use of ensuring childseats is also included in the sessions.

First time in Sabah
This November, for the first time, SDAC will bring the DSFL programme to Sabah. As with the programmes held in Peninsular Malaysia, there will be a mix of classroom and practical training workshops with trained driving instructors. The half-day two-part workshop consists of a theory course which will be held at the Ford Kota Kinabalu showroom, while the practical driving course will be conducted at Stadium Likas.

During the DSFL sessions, participants will also learn about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol. They can experience the feeling by wearing specially designed gear that helps simulate the experience of driving while movement, coordination and alertness are impaired.

Open to all Malaysian licensed drivers, each half-day session caters up to 30 participants and will feature Ford Ranger-based models to teach drivers safe driving practices when driving a pick-up truck. The vehicle choice is particularly appropriate for Sabah where a large number of Rangers are sold.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to register their interest personally at the Ford Kota Kinabalu showroom to secure their spot as seats are limited or call 088-425 355 for more information. There will be four sessions as shown below:

Click here to know more information about the Ford DSFL programme in Malaysia.

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Team Proton R3 takes Malaysian Championship Series title

Team Proton R3 (R3) drivers Fariqe Hairuman and Syafiq Ali have clinched the M-Production Class Championship for the 2019 Malaysia Championship Series (MCS). Driving a Proton Iriz, the pair finished second in Round 5, a gruelling 300-km race offering double points to those who finished in the Top 10.

For Fariqe, the 2019 title is his second MCS championship as he also won it in 2015 while driving for R3. His co-driver Syafiq, a 3-time Sepang 1000km (S1K) winner, collected his first MCS title to add to the impressive list of racing accolades he has already won.

Aiming for S1K win
After winning the MCS championship, R3 is aiming for a S1K win in November. By winning the MCS championship, R3 have achieved one of their main goals for 2019 and can now focus on defending their S1K title to deliver Proton a record-breaking fifth title in the race. They have a good chance of doing so as the team will be fielding cars with proven track records.

Aside from the Iriz, R3 will race two units of the 2019 Proton Saga, the newest car in their stable. During Round 5 of the MCS, the veteran driven pairing of Admi Shahrul and Faidzil Alang defended their title chasing teammates from attacks by other cars but still managed to drive their Saga to a third-place finish. It was the second podium for the Saga in the last three MCS races, which bodes well for the S1K.

The second Proton Saga will be piloted by drivers selected from the MSF-R3 Lady Racers Search. The initiative offers an opportunity to lady racers to undergo a development programme with R3, culminating in a race seat in the 2019 S1K race.

Competent road cars add competitiveness on track
“R3 set out to win the MCS in 2019 and we won 6 consecutive races to go into Round 5 as championship leaders. Having racked up 5 wins, the Iriz was carrying 60 kgs of success ballast so our competitors had an advantage during the race. Still, we tried our best to overcome the weight penalty and win the race but, in the end, we finished with two podium places in second and third. The results worked out well for us though and thanks to the skill of our drivers and the handling and reliability of our cars we easily clinched the MCS championship,” said Gary Lee, Team Principal of Proton R3.

“The team is using the newest versions of the Iriz and Saga and both have proven to be very competitive, thanks to the excellent handling capabilities of road-going versions of all Proton cars. This provides R3 with a good base from which to build a racing machine and as the season has progressed our development programme has managed to deliver two cars with race-winning potential,” he added.

Click here for other news and articles about Proton in PISTON.MY

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English

WEC/Round 2: 1-2 finish for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing in Fuji 6-Hours

Abarth 695 70th Anniversario special edition comes with a variable spoiler

Chevrolet to include a hardtop convertible in new Corvette Stingray range

Mercedes-Benz vívoactive 3 can help to make driving healthier

Proton/Bank Rakyat offer special financing packages to graduates and government employees

Recalled Honda vehicles being recalled again

Fuel Prices For October 5 – October 11, 2019

Global debut for two Mitsubishi Motors concept models at Tokyo Motorshow

Ford’s Driving Skills for Life Programme Goes to Sabah for the first time

Team Proton R3 takes Malaysian Championship Series title

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia’s Online Showroom open for business

Final real-world testing of next-generation Mercedes-AMG SL now underway

Hyundai Sime Darby Motors to introduce Palisade and Updated Kona soon

Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow’s SF21 car for 2021 Formula 1 World Championship

Perodua alerts customers of scams detected in connection with new Ativa SUV

ShopeePay mobile wallet now accepted at all BHPetrol stations nationwide

First looks at new Hyundai MPV to be launched soon

Fuel Price Updates For March 11 – March 17, 2021

Bermaz Motor accepting bookings for 2021 Mazda CX-3 2.0, priced from RM130,729

New Honda City RS e:HEV officially on sale, priced at RM105,950.45

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