REBRANDED MTCC KICKS OFF 2025 SEASON AT SEPANG

SEPANG, May 2 (Bernama) -- The newly rebranded Malaysia Touring Car Championship (MTCC) roars into action this weekend as Round 1 of the 2025 season gets underway at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) from today until Sunday.

Previously known as the Malaysia Championship Series (MCS), the MTCC ushers in a new era with a strong international field of entries from Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, and Macau.

Speaking at a press conference at SIC today, SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif said the rebranding signifies more than a name change — it reflects a strategic evolution designed to elevate the national motorsports landscape and expand the championship’s visibility and appeal across the region.

“We have redefined the championship with clearer classes, updated technical regulations, and a stronger focus on turbocharged cars to keep up with global motorsport trends. With 53 entries already confirmed for Round 1, we are off to a strong start,” he said.

He said this weekend’s opening round is expected to feature a total of 82 cars, with the return of the F4 Southeast Asia Championship, the Asia Classic Car Challenge/Caterham series, and the debut of the Porsche Sprint Challenge Indonesia as a companion event.

Azhan Shafriman said the MTCC has been restructured into five distinct classes: Malaysia Touring 1 (MT1), Touring Production 1 (TP1), Touring Production 2 (TP2), and the newly introduced Malaysia Touring 2 (MT2V and MT2G), designed to enhance category clarity and competitive parity.

“Another key change is that the 2025 season will feature only race-prepared and production-based cars. The TP2 category will now allow new performance cars, such as the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ, giving fresh talent more opportunities to join the competition,” he said.

He also reaffirmed SIC’s commitment to grassroots development, particularly in supporting new and female drivers in four-wheel motorsport disciplines.

“We are determined to develop Malaysian talent from the grass-root level and to grow MTCC into a major championship that draws global participation and broader broadcast coverage,” he added.

He also extended his appreciation to Hankook for coming on board as the Official Tyre Partner for 2025, and confirmed the return of last season’s overall champion, Jonathan Xie of the Skuber Race Team, adding further anticipation to the already competitive grid.

For fans, a three-day Paddock Pass is available at RM100, while the newly introduced two-day MTCC Hospitality Pass offers a premium trackside experience at RM318.

The 2025 MTCC calendar continues with Round 2 (July 25-27), Round 3 (August 8-10), before concluding with the season finale (Sept 5-7), all to be held at SIC.

-- BERNAMA