Jin Nakamura, one of Japan’s up-and-coming talents, will begin a critical 2026 year with Hitech, one of two new teams for the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy.
Nineteen-year-old Nakamura will drive in the 2026 FIA F3 Championship for Hitech TGR and will begin 2026 with the team when it makes its debut in the New Zealand championship in January.
“I’m excited to announce that I’ll be competing in the 2026 New Zealand championship with Hitech,” he said.
“I’m grateful to TGR and everyone supporting me. 2026 will be my second season driving outside Japan, and I believe I can apply what I’ve learned this year. I will push myself as much as possible, and do my best together with the team.”
Nakamura – from Chiba, Japan – made his Japanese F4 debut with the program in 2022, continued for a second season in 2023 and claimed the runner-up spot in the championship with several wins and podium appearances.
A busy 2024 saw him win Japan’s Super Taikyu title as well as compete in Japan’s Super GT and Super Formula Lights series. He also took part in the Macau GP with iconic team TOM’S.
He stepped up again in 2025, racing in the Formula Regional European Championship, in the LMP3 Le Mans Cup and in the FR Middle East Championship.
The 2026 CTFROT Championship takes place over four rounds and ends with the 70th New Zealand Grand Prix at the Highlands Motorsport Park in the South Island.
With six teams competing, it promises to be one of the most fiercely fought and significant championships since the Toyota-supported single seater series became NZ’s premier championship almost 20 years ago.
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
