CTFROT | 2026 | Round 3 | Rescheduled Teretonga Race 3 at Highlands

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Freddie Slater kept his record of championship success firmly intact with a commanding victory in the rescheduled Teretonga Race 3 on Friday evening at Highlands Motorsport Park, the final venue of the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT)

From pole position, the M2 Competition driver controlled the 16-lap contest from lights to flag. As a result, he reduced team-mate and championship leader Ugo Ugochukwu’s advantage to just 18 points, with three races — including the prestigious 70th New Zealand Grand Prix — still to run. Crucially, the win marked Slater’s third of the season and his most decisive performance to date.

A catch-up race with high stakes

Because poor weather at Teretonga Park forced the cancellation of a race last weekend, organisers rescheduled the contest for Friday evening. Consequently, the field tackled what was effectively a bonus race, ensuring drivers still benefitted from the championship’s emphasis on maximum racing mileage.

However, the grid featured notable absentees. Liam Sceats and James Wharton could not take part due to eligibility rules linked to the rescheduled event. In addition, two-time World Rally Champion Kalle Rovanperä withdrew after illness, a disappointment following his standout wet-weather podium drive the previous weekend.

Meanwhile, Zack Scoular narrowly avoided joining that list. After a heavy practice crash earlier in the day, mtec Motorsport mechanics — assisted by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand personnel — rebuilt his car in time for the start.

A clean launch and early battles

On the front row, Slater lined up alongside Hitech’s Kanato Le, with Ugochukwu and Louis Sharp filling the second row. From seventh, Ryan Wood anticipated a strong race thanks to impressive practice pace.

When the lights went out, Slater launched cleanly and immediately asserted control. Behind him, Ugochukwu moved past Le for second at the first chicane, while Le settled into third ahead of Sharp and Yevan David. Shortly afterwards, Scoular made early progress by passing David, before Sharp executed a decisive move on Le to claim third place.

As the race developed, multiple drivers received track limits warnings, particularly at the tight infield chicane before the bridge. Consequently, the field exercised greater caution while maintaining relentless pressure.

Championship rivals go head-to-head

At the front, Slater and Ugochukwu quickly separated themselves from the rest. Despite Slater setting the fastest lap early on, Ugochukwu stayed within four tenths of a second, turning the race into a direct confrontation between the two title contenders.

Midway through the race, Slater received a track limits warning just as Ugochukwu intensified his challenge. At the same time, the limited allocation of push-to-pass boosts added a strategic dimension, allowing Sharp to briefly close in after setting the fastest lap on lap nine.

Nevertheless, Slater responded decisively. As the race entered its final phase, he increased his advantage to eight tenths, then over a second, using push-to-pass with precision. When Ugochukwu received his own track limits warning while attempting to respond, the balance swung firmly in Slater’s favour.

Slater seals victory as battles unfold behind

In the closing laps, Slater extended his lead further and controlled the pace to the chequered flag, leaving Ugochukwu unable to mount a final attack in the gusty conditions. Ugochukwu secured second place and limited the points damage, while Sharp completed the podium after running clear of the chasing pack.

Further back, Le retained fourth despite fading slightly, while Scoular held fifth after an impressive recovery drive. Wood, however, produced one of the drives of the race. After applying sustained pressure to David, he capitalised on a mistake on lap 11 to move into sixth, despite carrying two track limits warnings.

That result proved decisive. With Rovanperä absent, Wood clinched the Rookie Championship, adding a major accolade to his weekend.

Behind them, Yuanpu Cui finished eighth ahead of David, while Jack Taylor and Jin Nakamura completed the top ten. Despite a difficult opening lap, Nakamura’s recovery ensured he remained fourth in the championship standings.

Focus turns to Grand Prix Qualifying

With Friday’s dramatic contest complete, attention now shifts to Saturday morning and the championship’s distinctive Grand Prix Qualifying format. The opening session will set the grid for Race 1 and eliminate the slowest six drivers from Grand Prix contention. Subsequently, a second elimination phase will define further grid positions, before a final shoot-out determines the top eight starters for the New Zealand Grand Prix.

After Slater’s emphatic statement at Highlands, the title battle now stands finely poised.