Signed up to Formula Regional
A full grid will herald the start of the next generation of the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy when New Zealand’s premier championship takes to the track at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park.
Unprecedented early interest from international and domestic drivers means all places in the six teams are now locked in for the series, which starts over the weekend of January 8-10.
The field includes the mandatory three cars per team among the teams – newcomer Rodin Motorsport, M2 Competition, TJ Speed Motorsports, Mtec Motorsport, Hitech and Kiwi Motorsport. Four of those teams will run an additional fourth vehicle, which they can only do for a Kiwi.
Subject to final inking of a handful of remaining contracts, teams will field up-and-coming single-seater drivers from all motorsport corners of the world. Winning drivers from F3, F4 and even domestic series such as Formula Racing NZ will line up.
Intriguingly, a wild card 23rd entry for the 71st NZ Grand Prix is being left open amidst ongoing rumours about big-name drivers wanting to take part.
The switch to the second-generation FR car in New Zealand underlines Toyota and Gazoo Racing’s long-standing commitment to the FIA’s single-seater pyramid as a logical progression for drivers from FIA-certified F4, through FIA Formula Regional, and on to FIA Formula 3 and beyond – while ensuring the cars and competition remain true to the principles of high-performance, driver-first motorsport.
With Super License points, more than 3,000km of testing, practice, qualifying and racing spread over the four race weekends, and the prize weekend competing in Macau as the overall champion or top Kiwi or Aussie, the championship has proved incredibly attractive.
“The Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy has always been about more than crowning a champion,” says Nicolas Caillol, Gazoo Racing NZ’s motorsport manager.
“It is a key part of Toyota’s long-term commitment to finding New Zealand’s next world champion and providing young drivers from New Zealand and around the world with the best possible platform to develop their talent.
“The move to the next-generation Formula Regional car further strengthens that commitment. By combining world-class teams, extensive track-time, Super Licence points and a highly competitive international field, we are continuing to deliver a championship that is recognised globally as one of the most valuable steps in the driver development pathway.”
