Fending off tough terrains, uncertain conditions and stiff competition – Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Indonesia emerged champions of the 28th Asian Cross Country Rally (AXCR 2023) .

After 7 days and 2,000 km of gruelling racing, the team TGR Indonesia's two Toyota Fortuners posted a solid P1 and P2 finishing in the T1 category (prototype cross-country vehicles), ahead of the team TGR Thailand, placing sixth in a Toyota Hilux, and defending champions Mitsubishi Ralliart who placed third overall, in their inaugural outing with the all-new 2023 Mitsubishi Triton.

Also read: The all-new 2023 Mitsubishi Triton is ready to rip up the Asia Cross Country Rally

Fielding a duo of Toyota Fortuners, team TGR Indonesia (car no. 105) completed all 6 legs of AXCR 2023 with a total time of 11 hours 46 minutes, 4 minutes ahead of second place (car no. 121) with a time of 11 hours 50 minutes.

AXCR 2023 proved an amazing debut for 2023 Mitsubishi Triton (car no. 101), which finished 3rd overall with a time of 12 hours.

Despite being just its first outing at AXCR 2023, the all-new Mitsubishi Triton finished higher than the best performing Toyota Hilux, from team TGR Thailand, which finished fifth. 

The other two Mitsubishi Ralliart Tritons finished (car no. 112) placed eight, while the third entry (car no. 106) finished in 32nd place after suffering technical problems earlier in the rally.

Also read: Gazoo Racing livery Toyota Hilux is racing against the 2023 Mitsubishi Triton for title of ASEAN's toughest truck

With competition tight all through the rally, this is how the Top 10 finishers squared off in AXCR 2023:

Driving the third place Triton, Chayapon Yotha said "Overall, road surface conditions were very tough this year. Even so, we managed to complete all the SSs, and thanks to the team, we were able to help each other and cross the finish line. Of course we wanted to be higher up, and we wanted to get back to our best position - a win in the rally and to get the trophy.”

“Needless to say, the overall performance and drivability of the Triton has improved compared with last year. My impression is that it has improved comprehensively including the engine, suspension and frame. Next year I hope to be stronger and try again,” he added.

Besides Mitsubishi and Toyota vehicles, AXCR 2023 also saw a duo of Isuzu D-Max rally trucks, entered by the Isuzu Suphan Explorer Liqui Moly Rally Team finish in seventh and ninth overall.

The 28th Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) saw participants race from Thailand, cross the border into Laos and continue on a loop course for 2 days, starting at a hotel in Pakse, Laos, and finishing at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Prasat Wat Phou on the final day.