TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand, with the support of TGR Global Motorsport, has this week confirmed that it will make the step up to a new Gen 2 Formula Regional chassis in 2027 for its flagship Castrol Toyota FR Oceania Trophy, continuing its philosophy of developing people, performance and technology through motorsport.
The new car will replace the fleet of Toyota FT-60s, which have been in service since 2020. TGRNZ will continue its long-term relationship with Italian manufacturer Tatuus, which will supply the chassis.
It will be based on the FIA Formula Regional Gen 2 T‑326 chassis, as used in the FIA Formula Regional European Championship (FREC) and will be powered by an evolution of the proven 2.0‑litre turbocharged 8AR‑FTS engine used in the New Zealand series since 2020.
The package is aligned with Gen 2 targets for performance, efficiency and sustainability, reflecting TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s commitment to pushing technical limits while remaining relevant to real-world vehicle development. It will produce approximately 280 horsepower.
The car will retain the push‑to‑pass system introduced for the 2026 Castrol Toyota FR Oceania Trophy, reinforcing the series’ driver-focused racing philosophy. Pirelli – the nominated tyre supplier for all Formula Regional Championship and Trophy series – will continue to supply the New Zealand cars.
Two test cars from Italy are due to arrive in New Zealand shortly and will be fitted with the Gen 2 engine ahead of a full testing programme. A tendering process is also underway to confirm the carry‑over of existing teams and to evaluate new interest.
“Our switch to a generation two car underlines our long-standing commitment to the FIA’s single seater pyramid as a logical progression for drivers from FIA-certified Formula 4, 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,” explained TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand Motorsport Manager Nicolas Caillol.
“And it also shows our own commitment to finding New Zealand’s next World Champion. There is a lot of work to do between now and the 2027 Castrol Toyota FR Oceania Trophy, but we will be ready, with a field of up to 22 cars.”
The fleet of existing FT‑60 cars will be sold complete with engines. Many older cars, including the original FT‑40 and later FT‑50 models, remain widely used in New Zealand and internationally, providing sustainable and accessible single‑seater racing opportunities outside of international‑level competition.
The Castrol Toyota FR Oceania Trophy is proving to be one of the most significant Formula Regional Championships in the world, with its early-in-the-year timing working perfectly for Northern hemisphere drivers looking to secure seat time – and FIA Super Licence points – ahead of Northern hemisphere championships.
In 2026, no fewer than nine drivers competing in this year’s FIA Formula 3 Championship took part in the four-round series in New Zealand, which culminates in the historic New Zealand Grand Prix event – one of only two FIA-sanctioned non-F1 Grand Prix events in motorsport alongside Macau.
The championship also has an enviable record of success for its graduates. 2025 World Champion Lando Norris was the Toyota Racing Series winner in 2016, while Liam Lawson, Lance Stroll and Arvid Lindblad are also former champions.
More than 25 drivers from the series have competed or officially practised or tested in F1, and numerous others have found success in IndyCar, Formula E, WEC and GT- underscoring the championship’s role as a proven pathway from track to the world stage.
Header Image: Supplied
