This weekend, Round 5 of the 2025 South African Touring Car Championship (SATC) and SupaCup heads to the fearsome East London Grand Prix Circuit. Known for its sweeping high-speed corners like Potter’s Pass and Rifle Bend, the layout also features a technically demanding complex with abrasive surfacing—posing a test of both driver precision and tyre endurance. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) returns with its full line up: three GR Corollas in the SATC series and the SupaStarlet in SupaCup, aiming to carry forward their momentum into the Eastern Cape.
SATC
The SATC Drivers’ Championship is finely poised. After Round 4, Michael van Rooyen retains the points lead, showing remarkable consistency with podium finishes across all four previous rounds. Saood Variawa, having contested all rounds since joining in Round 2, remains within striking distance and is well-positioned in the title hunt, while Nathi Msimanga continues to up his race pace, charging steadily up the leaderboard. Toyota keeps its hold at the top of the Manufacturers’ Championship, with the TGRSA GR Corollas delivering both reliability and performance.
East London presents a unique challenge on the South African calendar — its high-speed layout demands aerodynamic stability, while the abrasive twisties will put tyre strategy and mechanical grip under pressure. Success will hinge on precise setup, tyre management, and maintaining clean, fast laps under pressure.
SupaCup
In SupaCup, Dawie van der Merwe continues his campaign in the SupaStarlet, currently holding a top-five position in the championship as detailed in the SupaCup points standings. East London’s abrasive surface and high-energy layout will demand resilience from the front wheel-drive car, but Dawie has steadily improved and demonstrated solid racecraft — traits the team plans to use to its advantage this weekend.
The weekend schedule features practice sessions on Friday, followed by Qualifying and two decisive races on Saturday. With fine, mild weather expected and largely sunny skies forecast, track conditions should be optimal for both categories. TGRSA enters Round 5 with determination and focus, aiming to return home with strong results and vital championship points as the battle for both titles intensifies.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa Acknowledges Its Sponsors
Toyota enjoys a mutually beneficial relationship with Toyota Financial Services, Innovation and Kinto.
Published by: Karabo Sethusha
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