Chinese junior formula racer Yuanpu Cui will begin his 2026 racing season in New Zealand’s premier international championship – the Castrol Toyota FR Oceania trophy.
He will join regulars Mtec Motorsport for the four-round championship, which begins in January at Hampton Downs and concludes with the 70th New Zealand Grand Prix at Highlands Motorsport Park.
Yuanpu – who originally comes from Xi’an in Shaanxi Province in central China – began racing when he was just eight years old, and is one of China’s brightest motorsport prospects, having raced in karts for the best part of a decade.
A former World Series Karting (WSK) race winner, he achieved quick success when he switched to circuit racing, winning in British Formula 4 and in F4 China.
He has recent experience in Formula Regional as well, having competed in six races in FR Middle East in 2024 and in four rounds of the FR European Championship with appearances at Hockenheim and Circuit de Catalunya. He heads to NZ on the back of his first season in GB3 in the United Kingdom.
The 18-year-old is hoping it will all mean he is able to produce a competitive season in New Zealand as part of mtec Motorsport’s line-up.
“I am focused on just performing to the best of my ability and trying to achieve some good results,” he said.
‘Of course, I am very excited to be racing in New Zealand with mtec, it will be very challenging and it is a high-level competition.”
He is the first driver to be confirmed for the mtec Motorsport team as places begin to be confirmed for what could be an exceptional championship.
Two more teams have joined the New Zealand championship since it strategically reduced its season from five to four rounds to avoid clashes with northern hemisphere testing. A high-quality field is promised.
Fans will be able to easily follow the championship. Qualifying will be livestreamed on TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand’s YouTube channel. Races will also be on that channel and on SkySport domestically in New Zealand. Races will also be streamed live on the Motorsport.TV platform.
Header Image: Supplied
