Naquib Azlan arrived at 2025 already carrying a rare dual identity, equally at home in a race car and behind a simulator. By the end of the year, that balance had tilted into something more formidable. The Malaysian racing driver stitched together one of the busiest and most successful seasons in the region, collecting titles across three countries while continuing to defend his place among Asia Pacific’s elite sim racers.
On real circuits, the results came quickly and with variety. In Malaysia, Azlan claimed the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Challenge Super Sporting Class title, a championship built on consistency and pressure rather than outright spectacle. Abroad, his impact was even sharper. He stepped into the Toyota Gazoo Racing GR86 and BRZ Cup in Japan and won on debut, setting the tone for a campaign that would later end in a championship. Thailand delivered its own drama, most memorably at Sepang, where he pulled off one of the defining moves of his season. “Overtaking 4 cars on the last lap at Sepang to win the race in TSS GT4 class” remains burned into his memory, not just for the audacity of the pass but for what it sealed. By year’s end, he stood as GT4 class champion in the Thailand Super Series, completing a sweep that few drivers manage in a single season.
If the real world trophies stacked up neatly, the virtual side was more complicated. Azlan successfully defended his FIA Asia Pacific sim racing gold medal and added the Porsche eSport Sprint Challenge title, while also qualifying for the Ferrari HP Esports Series Grand Final. Still, he is candid about the gaps. “Goals on real life racing was definitely achieved, however in eRacing side would've loved to do better especially during the Ferrari World Final,” he said. Time, stretched thin by travel and preparation, became the quiet opponent. “Timing and scheduling was a huge challenge, trying to do all these different championships was a logistical nightmare at times.”
Away from competition, the season gave him something less tangible but just as lasting. “What I enjoyed most was experiencing new places, was lucky to experience 7 different cities and racetracks across Japan and that truly was a privilege.” The off season, by contrast, is about stillness. “Looking forward to doing nothing haha,” he said, even if he knows it will not last long.
Next year is already framed around expansion. “Goals for next season would be to do more regional races, to really boost my profile and exposure so I am able to showcase my ability to fight at the top anywhere.” For newcomers watching from the pit wall, his advice is blunt and modern. “If racing is truly your dream, pour your heart into it, hardwork beats talent everyday. And dont skip out on the simulator, that is a driver's bestfriend in modern day racing.”
