Organisers have confirmed the dates for the new-look 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy. As a result, teams and drivers can now plan their winter campaigns around a streamlined four-weekend calendar. Moreover, the revised structure, which sees the championship’s traditional 15 races contested across four events instead of five, recently received formal approval from the FIA World Council of Motorsport. Consequently, the series aligns fully with the FIA’s evolving Formula Regional framework.
Championship begins at Hampton Downs
The 2026 campaign will begin over the weekend of January 9–11 at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park. Therefore, the championship once again opens at one of New Zealand’s most familiar and technical venues. A week later, the series will move further south for Round 2 at Taupo International Motorsport Park on January 16–18. Notably, this event will form part of the circuit’s popular Historic Grand Prix weekend. As a result, drivers will compete in front of large crowds and within a high-profile motorsport environment.
South Island rounds follow
After completing its North Island leg, the championship will shift to the South Island for the final two rounds. Consequently, Round 3 will take place at Teretonga Raceway, just outside Invercargill, from January 23–25. Therefore, competitors will face one of the country’s fastest and most challenging circuits.
Finally, the season will conclude with its centrepiece event, the 70th New Zealand Grand Prix. Once again, Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell will host the meeting, marking the third consecutive year at the venue. The Grand Prix weekend will run from January 30 to February 1, providing a fitting climax to the season.
2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy Calendar
- Round 1: 9–11 January – Hampton Downs International Motorsport Park
- Round 2: 16–18 January – Taupo International Motorsport Park
- Round 3: 23–25 January – Teretonga Raceway, Invercargill
- Round 4: 30 January–1 February – 70th New Zealand Grand Prix, Highlands International Motorsport Park
Formats still to be confirmed
While organisers have yet to confirm the detailed formats for each round, expectations remain high. Importantly, it is likely that the extensive mileage traditionally offered by the New Zealand series will continue. Therefore, the championship should retain its reputation as the world’s premier winter training ground for serious northern hemisphere single-seater prospects.
Indeed, the series’ global appeal continues to grow. For example, 2025 champion Arvid Lindblad is already being widely tipped for a Formula One seat this season. As a result, the Oceania Trophy remains firmly established as a proven launchpad for elite talent.
FIA Regional Trophy framework explained
From 2026, the FIA will introduce a new Regional Trophy concept across all Formula Regional and Formula 4 categories. Under this system, organisers gain unprecedented flexibility. Specifically, they can choose between a traditional, long-duration championship or a shorter, more concentrated competition run under the ‘Trophy’ title.
Accordingly, New Zealand’s premier single-seater series has adopted this Trophy framework. Ultimately, the confirmed dates and revised format underline the championship’s continued evolution, ensuring it remains both globally relevant and intensely competitive heading into 2026.
