A full grid of 22 cars 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 the Hampton Downs Motorsport Park for Round 1 in January.
Unprecedented early interest from international and domestic drivers means that all places in the six teams – including newcomers Rodin Motorsport – are now locked in.
The field includes the mandatory three cars per team among Rodin Motorsport and M2 Competition. TJ Speed Motorsports, mtec Motorsport, Hitech and Kiwi Motorsport. Four of those teams will run an additional fourth car, which they can only do for a New Zealand driver.
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 like Formula Racing NZ will line up on the grid.
Intriguingly, a wild-card 23rd-car entry for the 71st New Zealand Grand Prix is being left open amid ongoing rumours about big-name drivers wanting to take part.
The Trophy once again runs as the headline act in NZ’s premier NextGen NZ Motorsport Championship series and will begin over the weekend of January 8-10 at Hampton Downs, followed by back-to-back weekends at Taupo Motorsport Park, Teretonga Park and the NZ Grand Prix weekend at Highlands Motorsport Park.
The switch to the second-generation FR car in NZ 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 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.
With Super License points, more than 3,000 km of testing, practice, qualifying and racing spread over the four race weekends, and the prize weekend competing in Macau as either the overall champion or top Kiwi or Aussie, the forthcoming championship has proved incredibly attractive.
“The Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy has always been about more than crowning a champion,” said GAZOO Racing NZ Motorsport Manager Nicolas Caillol.
“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 continue to deliver a championship recognised globally as one of the most valuable steps in the driver development pathway.
“We are proud that drivers and teams from across the world see New Zealand as an essential part of their journey to the highest levels of motorsport. Our focus remains on creating an environment that challenges young drivers, accelerates their development and prepares them for success on the world stage.”
Header Image: Andy Kruy
