Malaysia GP: Final Countdowns for Castanto and Fauna and Ame, Championship Battles Heat Up

Sepang, Selangor, 19 December - As the 2024 Formula Hololive International season approaches its seventh round, all eyes are on Sepang International Circuit this Friday. The Malaysia GP marks a turning point, both on and off the track, as it bids farewell to beloved Hololive teams that represent Ceres Fauna who is set to graduate on 3 January 2025 and Watson Amelia who has ended her streaming activities since late September this year.

This weekend also sees the official implementation of the ARO’s new protocol for EOSA (End-of-Streaming-Activities), ensuring that both Fauna and Amelia’s cars will make their final appearances. For Ceres Fauna, VTRP owner and ARO driver Dag Patterson has confirmed his future in the ARO, securing a seat for the upcoming races in a yet-to-be-announced lineup. However, Bernardo Santiago, who pilots Amelia’s car, has left his future plans uncertain, leading to speculation that the Malaysia GP may also mark the end of his ARO career. With both cars retiring after this race, the Sepang GP will undoubtedly be an emotional event for fans, teams, and competitors alike.

Adding to the farewells, Juani Castanto, driving for Ouro Kronii, has confirmed that Sepang will be his final race in the ARO. Replacing him will be Mono Zettarou, a promising Filipino talent, who is set to debut in the #92 Ouro Kronii entry. Zettarou’s arrival injects fresh energy into the series, as Castanto prepares to hand over the reins after a respectable tenure. 

The Sepang International Circuit, located in Malaysia’s tropical heartland, is renowned for its high-speed straights, technical turns, and unpredictable weather. With 5.5 kilometers of asphalt testing drivers' abilities to balance aggression and finesse, the track promises thrilling battles from start to finish. Its unique combination of wide overtaking zones and complex corners like Turns 1-2 and the closing radius Turns 13-14 will put both the drivers and their machinery to the ultimate test. Sepang’s tropical climate is infamous for sudden downpours, which could turn the race into a chaotic spectacle. Teams must be prepared to adapt strategies on the fly, balancing tire wear and fuel loads with the potential for rain.

At the top of the standings, Jailbird Ryan Kagawa leads with 1243 points, maintaining a slim margin over Javier Lusby (1202). Lusby, representing Vestia Zeta, has been a strong challenger all season and will look to capitalize on any mistakes from Kagawa. Meanwhile, Tomas Ferreira, fresh off his podium finish at Sentul, has climbed to third with 876 points and has momentum on his side heading into Sepang. With Kagawa and Lusby in a tight battle for the championship lead, every point counts. Mistakes at Sepang could prove costly, especially with Ferreira and de Oliveira closing the gap.

Indonesia's Hiyuta Asano, representing Gigi Murin, stunned the grid at Sentul with a debut victory. All eyes will be on him to see if he can replicate his success at Sepang, a circuit that demands a well-rounded skill set. Meanwhile, Rudy, rumored to return to the ARO for an undisclosed team, adds intrigue to the mid-grid battle. Indonesian fans will also rally behind Evelyn Kuromi, eager for redemption after her podium hopes were dashed by a penalty at her home GP.

The Malaysia GP promises high drama, fierce battles, and heartfelt farewells as the ARO prepares to say goodbye to Fauna, Amelia, and Castanto. The combination of championship stakes and the emotional weight of retirement races makes this event unmissable. Whether it’s the fight at the front, the debut of new talent, or the unpredictability of Sepang, fans can expect a thrilling spectacle as Formula Hololive International roars into its seventh round.