Race Weekend 2 demonstrates how motorsports can accelerate sustainable mobility, while Red Diwa, Bern Zaragoza, and Iñigo Anton emerge as championship leaders.
July 15, 2026 – The second Race Weekend of the 2026 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup delivered another action-packed weekend at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga. But beyond the close battles and podium finishes, the event marked an important milestone for Philippine motorsports by transforming the racetrack into a real-world testing ground for low-carbon biofuels.
As part of Toyota Motor Philippines’ (TMP) commitment to achieving carbon neutrality through its multi-pathway approach, Race Weekend 2 became the country’s first motorsport event by a car manufacturer to test biofuels in competitive racing conditions.
The Vios One-Make Races utilized an E20 bio-ethanol fuel blend, while the Tamaraw One-Make Races ran on B5 coco-biodiesel. These renewable fuel blends not only help lower carbon emissions but also strengthen the country’s energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels while creating greater demand for locally produced sugarcane and coconut feedstocks.
For Toyota, the racetrack serves as more than a venue for competition. It functions as a “rolling laboratory” where technologies are pushed to their limits before they make their way to everyday motorists.
By testing biofuels under the extreme demands of racing, Toyota continues to evaluate their performance, efficiency, durability, and reliability. The findings from these tests will be shared with government agencies and industry stakeholders to support the broader adoption of sustainable fuels in the Philippines.
Currently, approximately three-quarters of Toyota and Lexus gasoline models are already compatible with E20 bio-ethanol, while all Toyota diesel models are capable of using B5 biodiesel, making the transition to cleaner fuels increasingly practical for Filipino motorists.
During the Race Weekend 2 press conference, Toyota Motor Philippines President Masando Hashimoto emphasized that the importance of biofuels extends far beyond environmental benefits.
“Using biofuels matters because first, it helps make our fuel supply more stable. If we can produce more of what we need locally, we are less affected by problems happening far away.
Second, it supports our farmers. The Philippines has more than 3 million of people working in agriculture, especially in the coconut industry. By using more coconut-based fuel, we create more demand for what they produce.”
Hashimoto noted that recent global events have highlighted the vulnerability of relying heavily on imported fuel, making locally sourced alternatives increasingly important for the country’s long-term energy resilience.
He also pointed to the Philippines’ strong agricultural sector, particularly its coconut industry, as a unique opportunity to strengthen both mobility and local livelihoods.
“At Toyota, we want to be part of that solution.
Around the world, Toyota sees the racetrack as a “rolling laboratory”—a place where we test new ideas and develop better cars for society. By using biofuel on this racetrack, we are showing that this technology works—not just in theory, but in real conditions.”
The initiative also reflects Toyota’s global philosophy of continuously improving vehicles through motorsports. Lessons learned from the racetrack help shape technologies that eventually benefit everyday drivers, proving that innovation in racing can create meaningful solutions for society.
Aside from advancing sustainable mobility, Race Weekend 2 also featured thrilling competition across the different racing classes.
After six sprint races, Red Diwa leads the Super Sporting Class championship, Bern Zaragoza sits atop the Sporting Class standings, while Iñigo Anton maintains the lead in the Tamaraw Class.
Toyota Motor Philippines President Masando Hashimoto also returned to competition in the Tamaraw Class alongside Team TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippines drivers Justin “Buzzhype” Santos, Chenee Jimenez, Alex Lim (BanaweBoy), Enzo Ison, and Will Lucas. The weekend also featured the GR50 Challenge and various car club fun runs, giving motorsport enthusiasts even more reasons to celebrate Toyota’s racing community.
Fans can look forward to two more exciting race weekends this season as the championship battle continues.
Upcoming 2026 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup Race Weekends:
- Race Weekend 3: August 13 to 15, 2026 at the Batangas Racing Circuit
- Race Weekend 4: September 10 to 12, 2026 at the Clark International Speedway
With its pioneering use of biofuels in motorsports, the 2026 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup continues to demonstrate that racing is not only about speed and competition, but also about developing technologies that contribute to a more sustainable, energy-secure, and resilient future for the Philippines.
For the latest updates on the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup, follow TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, and Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook and Instagram. You can also follow @ToyotaMotorPH on X and join the Toyota PH Viber Community for exclusive updates and announcements.