Viper Niza Racing Eyes Another Home-Ground Podium as Michelin 12 Hours of Malaysia Sets Up 2026 Campaign
Viper Niza Racing Team is heading back to familiar territory as the Michelin 12 Hours of Malaysia at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit becomes a key part of its preparations for an ambitious 2026 international endurance campaign. While not the season opener, the home-ground 12-hour race will serve as an essential shakedown ahead of the team’s second full European Series programme.
The race also marks the first time the Series is being held in Southeast Asia — but Viper Niza Racing already knows the feeling of success at Sepang.
Earlier this year, Viper Niza Racing delivered a standout performance at the Motul 12 Hours of Sepang, securing victory in the GT AM Masters class and a second-place finish in the GT AM category with drivers Douglas Khoo, Dominic Ang, and Melvin Moh. The triumph echoed their success in 2024, reinforcing the team’s strong affinity with Sepang.
“Being a home circuit, the Petronas Sepang International Circuit has been kind to us looking at past accomplishments. However, while we are confident of another 12-hour stint on the track, there’s nothing about endurance racing that can be taken for granted despite all the pre-race preparation undertaken,” said Khoo, who is also Viper Niza Racing Team’s Principal.
He added, “We approach every race weekend the same – prepared, determined and with great perseverance. But you won’t know the degree of challenges ahead until the race starts. Being on the podium again at Sepang for another 12-hour race will be a great way to end 2025 and kick start our 2026 campaign.”
Building Momentum for a Full 2026 European Assault
The Michelin Middle East Series will open with the Sepang round before heading to the Michelin 6H of Abu Dhabi (9–10 January) and concluding with the Michelin 24H of Dubai (16–18 January). While Viper Niza Racing has yet to confirm a full Middle East campaign, the team is firmly committed to its second full season in the 2026 European Series.
The European season begins with the Michelin 12H of Mugello in Italy (20–22 March), followed by:
- Michelin 12H of Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium – 17–19 April
- Michelin 12H of Paul Ricard, France – 5–7 June
- Michelin 12H of Nürburgring, Germany – 3–5 July
- Michelin 24H of Barcelona, Spain – 18–20 September
The 2025 campaign saw the Malaysian outfit finish 4th overall in the GT3-AM point standings, despite missing one round and retiring from another. Their results included:
- 6th overall, 4th in GT3, and 2nd in GT3 AM at the 12H of Spa
- 8th overall and 3rd in GT3-AM at Paul Ricard
- 11th in GT3 and 22nd overall at the 24H of Barcelona
Looking ahead, Khoo is clear about the target. “The target will of course be to get into a top three overall standings in 2026. We believe we have the right package to get this done, and we believe we could have achieved this had we not missed the opening round (due to the vehicle not arriving in time for the race weekend) and the unfortunate retirement at 12H of Misano in Italy. Sepang will be one final race weekend shakedown for both the team and our Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO before preparing for Mugello in March and we hope that we are on pace, competitive and challenging for overall positions,” he said.
Viper Niza Racing continues to receive support from Motul, Endless & Momentum Autoparts, IWC (Official Watch Brand) and Jen Orchard Gateway Hotel in Singapore.
