Shazren Redza Seeks to Reassert Bijou’s Reign as Rivals Close Under Sepang Lights

Sepang, Selangor, October 25 — The HoloType International Series returns to the tropics for the Sepang 100 Minutes, the eighth round of the 2026 International campaign. The field of Oreca 07 prototypes faces one of the most demanding tests of the season, with 100 minutes of humid nighttime racing and high heat, as well as high-speed corners that will push drivers and machines alike to the edge.

Championship leader Mohd Shazren Redza, representing Koseki Bijou, enters Sepang on top with 577 points, carrying momentum from earlier podiums at Fuji and Motegi and consistent top 5s until Motegi, however he has been somewhat derailed in the first part of the second half. The Malaysian driver will race in front of his home crowd for the first time since joining the HoloType International grid — and expectations couldn’t be higher. His #14 Oreca 07 has been a model of speed and consistency, but a technical issue at Motegi reminded everyone that dominance can disappear in an instant.

“Yeah, I’ve been racing here many times before, but not as the championship leader since 3 years ago,” said Shazren during media day. “You gotta be smart here, the corners can kill you if you're not careful enough, but you gotta push as well, so you need to find the sweet spot. That's crucial if I want to get the win here. Especially for the home fans.”

But the pressure is on from fellow Malaysian Haziq Yazid, driving for Shiori Novella in the #90 Oreca 07. Sitting 46 points behind in second place, Yazid has been the most consistent challenger all season. A less consistent finisher, despite this, his win at Fuji Split A and a podium at Buriram helped him stay close to Shazren Redza all season.

Meanwhile, the Abyssgard twins continue to make headlines. Grave Prower, piloting Mococo Abyssgard’s #52 car, sits tied for third overall on 506 points. His aggressive but calculated style has earned praise across the paddock after a storming win at Fuji in the World Tsuyo, while Tawan Bhumin, representing Fuwawa Abyssgard, looks to rebound from a string of tough and inconsistent outings with a strong showing in front of his Southeast Asian fanbase.

Also in the mix are the two drivers where this round marks as a de facto home race for both Angela Sims, representing Anya Melfissa, where the American driver’s consistency in the #33 Oreca 07 has made her a dark horse for the INT title, and Dan Evans, the Australian driver representing Airani Iofifteen, whose #15 car leads the Zako class after double podiums in Sebring and Le Mans. Both represent Hololive Indonesia members in a round that precedes the members' true home race in Mandalika next month.

Behind the frontrunners, several names could spring surprises. Evelyn Kuromi (for E. R. Bloodflame) in the #53 car has been a podium regular in the Tsuyo class and looks to recover from a challenging outing in Japan and missing Fuji. Joshua Azurid, representing Mori Calliope, also eyes redemption, buoyed by a 3rd place at Fuji.

Attention also turns to Sven Jensen representing IRyS and Joddy Pranata for Moona Hoshinova, both of whom have become standout stories this season. Jensen’s #86 Oreca secured a commanding Zako-class win at Suzuka in the World Zako, while Pranata’s #69 entry has shown promising pace despite crashing out at Suzuka.

As for the weather — it’s Malaysia, and that means uncertainty. Forecasts point to potential late-afternoon thunderstorms that could turn the 100-minute sprint into a strategy war. Tire wear, fuel management, and timely pit calls will be decisive, especially if rain strikes in the final stint.

Heading into Sepang, Mohd Shazren Redza leads with 577 points, chased by Haziq Yazidon 531 and Grave Prower with 506. Dan Evans and Angela Sims are not far behind and can seize the initiative in case the Top 3 falter.

With the season approaching its finale at Mandalika and Sydney Motorsport Park, Sepang represents one of the final chances for the chasing pack to dethrone Shazren Redza and Bijou’s place at the top of the standings.