Datuk Abdul Razak Dawood Bids Farewell to Proton R3: A Legacy Beyond the Track
If you do not know ‘Datuk Razak’ (pictured below second from the left looking at the man holding the mic) it just means that you were never a motorsports fan, never a fan of Proton, never a fan of R3 and probably less than 30 years old or so right now.
Well, Datuk Razak was the man who worked with a great dedicated team to put Proton on the global motorsports map and the driver that worked with him for decades was the iconic Karamjit Singh.
Here below is what Datuk Razak shared on his social media channel
‘The recent announcement of the closure of Proton R3, the motorsports division of Proton, marks the end of an era. Since its inception, R3 — Race, Rally, Research — has not only been synonymous with competitive excellence but has significantly elevated the Proton brand, with independent surveys showing R3’s brand value exceeding Proton’s by 27%.
Beyond its track record, R3 played a vital role in building a lifestyle and performance culture around Proton. It was highly successful in developing performance parts, accessories, branded merchandise, and limited-edition vehicles — among them the iconic Satria R3, a model that became a collector’s favourite and brought real profit to the company.
One of the highlights was the Satria R3 Lotus Edition, a highly exclusive production run of just 25 units, sold at a premium. All 25 units were snapped up almost immediately after launch, underscoring the cult status and market demand for R3 products.
As one of the pioneers who introduced motorsports into the Proton brand as early as 1985 — and actively involved until my departure in 2013 — I take great pride in how Proton used motorsports as a catalyst for brand growth and international recognition. Through grit, talent, and sheer determination, Proton R3 and PERT delivered major milestones:
Winner of the FIA Production Car World Rally Championship (PWRC) in 2002
Three-time champion of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC)
Dominated Malaysian rallying for 8 consecutive years
A force to be reckoned with in the S2000 World Rally series, scoring many podium finishes
Motorsports did more than build trophies — it opened doors. Notably, it helped Proton penetrate the protective Japanese market, with the Proton Satria successfully exported to Japan, a rare feat for a Malaysian brand at the time.
The closure of R3 is more than the end of a racing team — it marks the conclusion of a visionary chapter that shaped Proton’s DNA. The R3 legacy will live on — in every driver, engineer, fan, and owner who believed that Malaysia could produce cars that don’t just move — but inspire.
May the spirit of R3 continue to drive the future of Malaysian motorsports.’
