Team Land Rover Philippines wins Rainforest Challenge in Malaysia

MANILA, Philippines - Team Land Rover Philippines recently reaped awards at the Rainforest Challenge (RFC) in Johor Bahru, Malaysia following its last victory in RFC in Sanya, China. The Philippines was First Runner-up in the above 3,000cc category. Driver Hilario Mendiola and co-driver Sergio O. Jamila III grabbed 8th place over-all, beating off-roaders from 38 national teams. Father-and-son tandem Dennis Javier and JB Javier won 15th place. It also won 5th place in 2,000-3,000cc Diesel engine category. Team Land Rover Philippines also took “The Most Promising Team” title of the competition.

The Malaysian RFC is considered the toughest off-road challenge in the world and has been dubbed the Formula One of off-road racing. The annual event is staged in the treacherous jungles of Malaysia where driving skills and 4x4 off-road vehicles are put to the test amid the harsh rainforest environment and unpredictable weather. It is the most internationally-represented 4x4 event. The event attracted teams from 38 countries including Indonesia, Thailand, the USA, Denmark, Russia and France.

During the event, Mendiola and Jamila operated a 1991 Defender fitted with an all-original Land Rover V8 petrol engine. The Javiers, long-time technical team members, drove a 1998 Defender equipped with a 300TDi diesel engine. Mechanic and cameraman Marvin Roxas, technician Paul Javier, RFC representative Robby Consunji and Land Rover Philippines sponsor Marc Soong completed Team Land Rover Philippines..

The Defender is Land Rover’s most capable off-roader and is most admired for its legendary simplicity, strength and ability. Its permanent four-wheel drive ensures power is sent to all four wheels continuously, on or off road. The Defender also has an impressive towing capability, with a braked trailer of 3,500 kg.

The Malaysian RFC broke the record for the biggest 4x4 gathering with 721 vehicles in attendance. The event also had the most number of Special Stages (SS) at 30 and the most number of log bridges ever built in the history of the RFC at 43. The elaborate police escort with air support supervised the longest RFC road convoy covering five kilometers.