Revamp for Formula Regional
The newly named 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy could attract a record number of rising single-seater stars thanks to a streamlining of the calendar to remove clashes with international testing.
The new look format – with the championship’s regular 15 races being run over four weekends instead of five – has been signed off by the FIA World Council of Motorsport for the 2026 season.
From next year, the FIA will introduce a regional trophy concept for all Formula Regional and Formula 4 categories.
These new formats provide organisers and promoters with unprecedented flexibility to choose between a traditional championship format lasting over a longer period or concentrating their competitions – under the “trophy” title – within a shorter timeframe with fewer events.
This will preserve the status of championships certified by FIA by offering an alternative that still meets its overarching goals of increasing global participation and making motorsport more accessible for all.
The New Zealand championship will be the first to adopt the trophy profile and retain its FIA championship status.
It will be the 21st season of this country’s premier single-seater championship, which remains highly regarded not only by the FIA, but also by F1 and Indycar teams as well as driver development programmes.
The support from the FIA and world council means the New Zealand-based championship can start in early January after the Christmas and New Year holiday period, but complete its schedule, which culminates with the NZ Grand Prix, without any clashes with pre-season testing in the northern hemisphere.
Clashes with Indy and IndyNxt testing, and FIA F2/F3 and other European championships, have prevented a number of top-line rising stars completing or even taking part in the championship in recent seasons.
The FIA was keen to work with Toyota Gazoo Racing NZ to ensure that its flagship winter championship is accessible to all rising global single-seater stars.
“We have long appealed to emerging single-seater stars around the world,” says motorsport manager Nicolas Caillol.
“That’s not only because of the value for money we offer as an international championship, but also because of the testing mileage, intensity of qualifying and racing, variety of highly challenging circuits the drivers experience and the professionalism of teams involved.
“Our most recent champion Arvid Lindblad is already one step away from F1 and we like to think that his 2025 season in New Zealand has played its part in that process.
“With the way now clear for more European drivers and US drivers to come to here, we have no more obstacles preventing the championship becoming even more important as a pathway for the world’s best motorsport prospects.”
