JMR Secures Hard-Fought Podium At GT World Challenge Asia Okayama

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31 (Bernama) -- A runner-up result at Sunday’s 10th round of the GT World Challenge Asia in Okayama, Japan, was the shining moment for the Johor Motorsports Racing Team, as Tunku Putera Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Sultan Ibrahim captured his best result of 2025 alongside British professional driver Alexander Sims.

In a statement, JMR said Sims, who had qualified fourth on the grid in the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R (JMR #66), managed to avoid early incidents at the start and spent his stint pressuring the driver in second position (P2).

Taking over for the second half of the race, Tunku Abu Bakar wasted little time climbing into P2 with a decisive move, before delivering a composed run of consistent laps to secure a well-deserved podium.

Having also reached the podium in the previous round at Fuji, Tunku Abu Bakar is enjoying a strong run of form as the championship heads into its closing stages with the next stop at the new Beijing street circuit next month.

“We finished the race second, which is a great result. I tried hard to keep up with the leader, but we lacked a little bit of pace. I did make a good overtake on the car ahead early in my stint, and I felt we made strong progress today compared to yesterday’s race,” said Tunku Abu Bakar in the statement.

Meanwhile, Sunday ended in disappointment for the JMR #99 entry of Tunku Panglima Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ibrahim and English professional driver Ben Green.

Green had qualified the Corvette on the front row with the second-fastest time, but their race ended on the opening lap after contact resulted in suspension damage and retirement.

Saturday’s contest also proved frustrating, with both the #99 and #66 cars caught up in a first-corner melee that left them classified P9 and P11, respectively.

Despite the setback, Tunku Abdul Rahman remains firmly in the hunt for the Pro-Am title, sitting third in the standings and just 15 points off the lead with two rounds to go.

Rounds 11 and 12 of the GT World Challenge Asia will take place at the new Beijing street circuit on Oct 17-19.

-- BERNAMA