Hitech has confirmed it will enter a three-car team in the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy, strengthening the championship’s international profile. The well-established single-seater outfit will compete as Hitech TGR, signalling a long-term commitment to the New Zealand-based series and its role in global driver development. Thus, Hitech becomes the sixth team confirmed for the 2026 grid. The team will race alongside Giles Motorsport, Kiwi Motorsport, M2 Competition, mtec Motorsport and the recently announced HMD Motorsport with TJ Speed. Therefore, the expanding entry list underlines the growing appeal of the FR Oceania Trophy among leading junior single-seater teams worldwide.
A strong international background
Since its formation, Hitech has built an extensive presence across international single-seater racing. In 2016, the team launched its first full campaign with a three-car effort in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship. It has since expanded into FIA Formula 2, FIA Formula 3, GB3, British Formula 4, Formula Winter Series and F1 Academy, while also contesting Formula Regional championships in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Notably, the FIA selected Hitech in 2019 to operate the entire grid of the former W Series, which used chassis similar to those raced in New Zealand. Since then, Hitech has established a reputation for producing elite-level talent.
Former drivers include George Russell, Alex Palou, Liam Lawson, Isack Hadjar, Marcus Armstrong, Dennis Hauger, Sebastian Montoya, Jack Doohan and Juri Vips. Currently, the team sits third in the FIA Formula 2 Teams’ Standings with Luke Browning and Dino Beganovic and leads the British Formula 4 Championship for a second successive season.
Commitment built on experience in New Zealand
Hitech has regularly sent drivers to compete in the New Zealand championship to gain additional experience and off-season mileage. As a result, formalising its involvement with a full-time entry represents a natural progression as the team continues to expand its footprint across key junior single-seater categories. Speaking on the announcement, Hitech outlined the thinking behind the decision and the opportunities it creates for young drivers.
“We are excited to be joining the Castrol Toyota FR Oceania Trophy with an official three-car Hitech entry from the 2026 season,” confirmed Hitech GB3 Team Manager Phil Blow, who will head up the New Zealand effort.
Reflecting on the team’s recent involvement, Blow highlighted how the championship has developed and why the timing now feels right. “In recent years, we have sent Hitech drivers to the series for off-season mileage and to gain further experience, but as the championship continues to go from strength to strength, the time is right for us to have a fully-fledged Hitech team in New Zealand.”
Looking ahead, he emphasised the developmental value the series offers.
“As ever, we look forward to the competition, and to providing three young drivers in the region with the opportunity to gain a foothold on the junior single-seater ladder and begin their progression.”
TGR New Zealand welcomes Hitech
Reacting to the news, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand highlighted the importance of attracting teams with proven international credentials.
“This is the sixth team for the 2026 championship and is another with an exceptionally high profile and track record in international motorsport, so this is only good news for the championship,” commented TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand motorsport manager Nicolas Caillol.
