The Gran Turismo World Series is where sim racers take their skills to a global stage, and Round 3 in Singapore brought another set of drivers to the grid. Among them was Dhanesh Wigneswaran from Malaysia, this year’s Manufacturers Series finalist for Volkswagen. Away from the race, he runs a sim racing studio in his home country, where he works with young drivers. We got the chance to have an exclusive talk with him at the event to hear about racing for Malaysia, his work and what he wants to achieve next.

Representing Malaysia on the World Series Stage

When we asked how it feels to represent his country, Dhanesh said it was a great feeling to be back. For him, being there is about more than taking part. He said it shows how much Malaysian sim racing has improved.

“It highlights how much we have improved in the sim racing industry as a whole, and from here on, we just keep pushing, trying to show that we have what it takes to compete with the best in the world.”

Racing, Coaching and the Next Generation

Dhanesh’s work goes beyond racing. When we asked about his experience and whether he does this full-time, he explained that he owns a sim racing studio in Malaysia, and that coaching is part of his job. 

“My job requires me to coach the next generation of sim racers, so essentially this is a full-time job.”

Coaching is also closely tied to his goals, as he wants to improve as a sim racer, and help new drivers grow too. Dhanesh believes the newer generation has an advantage. “I believe the newer generation of sim racers will be able to learn faster and become faster drivers quicker than we could be when we first started sim racing,” he said.

Goals for Volkswagen and a Message to Aspiring Racers

On the track, Dhanesh has a clear target for this year. He hopes to help Volkswagen finish in the top 6 overall in the Manufacturers Series. Looking further ahead, he wants to keep racing at this level.

“Long term, I hope to qualify for more World Series in the near future.”

To end our conversation, we asked if he had anything else to share. He used the chance to speak to sim racers who hope to reach the World Series one day. “Just keep doing your best and one day you will be in the World Series as well,” he said.

With a flag to carry, a studio to run and a team to push up the standings, Dhanesh Wigneswaran came to Singapore with clear goals for himself, for Volkswagen and for the next generation of Malaysian sim racers.