TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand has confirmed strong interest from junior formulae teams worldwide keen to be part of the new Gen 2 Formula Regional car era, set to begin in the Oceania region in January 2027.
No fewer than 15 existing teams have submitted expressions of interest as part of the tendering process, including all six of the incumbent teams who took part in the successful 2026 championship.
Teams interested come from categories from Formula 4 through to FIA Formula 2.
“Obviously, we are thrilled to have such interest from the sport globally, and it’s a sure sign that the New Zealand-based series is on the radar of virtually all of the professional junior formulae teams around the world,” said TGRNZ Motorsport Manager Nicolas Caillol.
The New Zealand-based championship is unique in offering teams identical cars all prepared at TGRNZ’s permanent facility at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park.
A new batch of 280bhp 8AR-FTS engines for the Gen 2 era is being built to a revised specification with improvements focused on weight, building on what is already a proven and successful platform.
“The parity of the cars and engines is second to none, and that, combined with the unforgiving and technically demanding circuits we have on the four-round calendar, ensures it is the best drivers who will be the stand-out performers,” added Caillol.
“And that’s why the Castrol Toyota FR Oceania Trophy is popular.”
More than 25 graduates have gone on to drive F1 cars in some way, shape or form, and the current F1 field includes former champions in Lando Norris, Liam Lawson and Lance Stroll, as well as graduates like Franco Colapinto and Arvid Lindblad – the 2025 champion.
The tendering process closed on May 16th, and applications are currently being evaluated. Successful teams will then be notified, and official statements of teams taking part in 2027 will be confirmed shortly afterwards.
Header Image: Bruce Jenkins
