A Land Rover Defender Series 3 88, nearly half a century old and still running mostly on its original components—including a 2.5‑litre turbo‑diesel engine—successfully endured the gruelling Rainforest Challenge Grand Final 2025, which concluded in Gua Musang, Kelantan on 10 December 2025.

GUA MUSANG, KELANTAN – The Binjai Bongkok–Bukit Payong–based GG 4×4 team delivered an inspiring performance at the Rainforest Challenge (RFC) Grand Final 2025, securing a podium finish after 11 days of demanding off-road competition, all while relying on a vehicle that is nearly half a century old.

Despite finishing third in the R3 Production category, team manager Azili Safeei expressed strong satisfaction with the durability and capability of their Land Rover Defender Series 3 88, which managed to compete against far more modern and powerful machines, including those fielded by international teams.

***The Terengganu-based GG 4×4 team secured third place at the Rainforest Challenge Grand Final 2025 during an awards ceremony held at Dewan KESEDAR, Gua Musang, on 10 December 2025.***

“It wasn’t easy for us to complete this race. We faced mechanical issues as early as the first day in Gua Musang, which caused us to lose valuable points,” said Azili, who is also a former RFC competitor.

“But securing a podium this year, even in third place, is already a significant achievement after battling teams from Poland and top local contenders. At the very least, we end this racing season with something we can be proud of.”

The pairing of Tengku Khairul A. Rahman (left) and co-driver Muhamad Nasrul Aiman Mohd Azili guided the GG 4×4 team through 11 days of extreme off-road competition, finishing third in the R3 category of the 28th Rainforest Challenge Grand Final 2025.

Team driver Tengku Khairul A. Rahman remains confident that their veteran machine still has the capability to return for the next international edition of the RFC.

“In reality, speed is not the main factor that determines the champion in the RFC. Experience and race strategy are the key elements, and today we proved that,” he said.

He also credited the technical crew and team management for their relentless support, highlighting the mechanics who worked day and night to keep the vehicle running, as well as the management team who maintained strong coordination with sponsors throughout the season. Tengku Khairul was partnered with co-driver Muhamad Nasrul Aiman Mohd Azili, representing the Terengganu-based team.

GG 4×4 team manager Azili Safeei (second from right) is seen with the team after successfully completing the final stage, SS40, of the 28th edition of the Rainforest Challenge Grand Final 2025 in Gua Musang, Kelantan.

The race, which began on 29 November in Sungai Buluh, Selangor, and concluded in Gua Musang, Kelantan, spanned 11 days and featured three categories: R1 (Prototype), R2 (Modified Production), and R3 (Production). A total of 22 competition vehicles from Russia, Poland, Latvia, and Malaysia took part.

In the R3 category, the championship was won by the Polish team led by driver Rafal Stanislaw Osmolski and co-driver Kamil Mariusz Majerczyk. Second place went to Malaysia’s Otai Racing Team, driven by Kamarozaman Jusoh with co-driver Muhd Khairy Kamid, both well-known figures in the off-road motorsport scene. GG 4×4 secured third place.

In the R1 category, Russian teams dominated the podium by taking first and second place, while a Malaysian team from Sabah clinched third place, outperforming two other Russian teams that finished fourth and fifth.

For the R2 category, only two teams competed this year, with Team 107 from Johor taking first place and Cameron 4×4 finishing second.