Late last year when UMW Toyota unveiled the facelifted Vios and Yaris, (and GR Yaris), they also announced that season 4 of the Toyota Vios Challenge would be coming on the 28th of January 2021. However, due to the recent extension of the 2021 Movement Control Order, the company has no option but to postpone the season opener indefinitely. Not the first time the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the race.
Unfortunately, there’s still no new firm date for the first round of Season 4. At least the new Rookie Class will have addition time to prepare themselves for their debut at the TGR Festival.
Here’s the press release with more.
PRESS RELEASE
In light of the recent announcement of a Movement Control Order (MCO) implemented on 13 January 2021 namely for the states of Selangor and Federal Territory and the latest extension until 4 February 2021, UMW Toyota Motor (M) Sdn Bhd regretfully announces the POSTPONEMENT of
Round 1 of Season 4 of the Toyota Vios Challenge scheduled from 28-30 January 2021 at the Sepang International Circuit.
We regret that we are, at present, unable to advise on a firm date for Round 1. Nevertheless, we are working very closely with Government authorities and closely monitoring our recovery from the increase in coronavirus cases. We certainly hope to be able to kick-off the season soon.
“As we collectively continue to help flatten the ‘curve’ of the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognize and acknowledge the unprecedented toll that it has inflicted on the nation. The race will and must go on but not until we can together, successfully mitigate the threat of COVID-19 to ensure the safety of
all racers, participating teams, officials, spectators and stakeholders,” said Akio Takeyama, UMW Toyota Motor (M) Sdn Bhd Deputy Chairman and GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsport Officer.
After three successful seasons, Season 4 of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival promises an even more exciting year ahead with the introduction of three individual racing series (Toyota Vios Challenge, Gazoo Racing Vios Sprint Cup and Gazoo Racing Enduro Cup) for a total of 11 races. The
growing participation of young racers in the series over the past three seasons has also led the company to establish a GAZOO Racing School and announced the introduction of a Rookie Class in the Toyota Vios Challenge for drivers between the ages of 14 and 20.
