Louis Sharp closed Saturday at Highlands Motorsport Park with a valuable third-place finish in Race 1 of the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT). The result capped a demanding day that tested both driver and team, yet ultimately rewarded persistence and composure during the opening race of the final weekend.
With limited overtaking opportunities and rapidly changing conditions, Sharp focused on execution rather than unnecessary risk. While the top two drivers established early control at the front, Sharp ensured he remained in contention and converted a challenging start to the day into a crucial podium.
Early race rhythm limits forward progress
As the field settled after the opening lap, Sharp quickly recognised that Highlands would not easily yield passing opportunities. Although his mtec Motorsport car carried competitive pace, the circuit’s flowing layout and aerodynamic sensitivity made close racing difficult.
Reflecting on the overall race flow and the narrow margins involved, Sharp explained: “Look, I think after the first lap, it’s always difficult. Yeah, I mean, we had good pace. A few mistakes on my side, so maybe could have made a few more positions than we did. But I think once the race settles down, overtaking is very limited. So obviously we’ve got push to pass this year, which helps a little bit. But, you know, at a track like Highlands, as much as you might be fast in the car in front, it’s really hard to make anything happen with it.”
A difficult qualifying session at Highlands shapes the 2026 CTFROT finale weekend for Sharp
Sharp’s route to the podium began with frustration earlier in the day. Qualifying initially showed strong promise, with Q1 indicating that a front-row challenge remained possible. However, as the session progressed, momentum slipped away, forcing the team to reassess expectations.
Explaining the early optimism and subsequent challenges, Sharp said: “So, no, I think overall we’re happy with the podium. Bit of a difficult start to the day with us. Q1, we showed some really good speed, you know, only a hundredth off pole, but P3. But, you know, on my side, there was a few things that I didn’t quite maximise. So I think going into Q2 and Q3, we were quite confident. But unfortunately, I think a bit of a problem with the tyres we had.”
As conditions and tyre performance shifted, the car lost its earlier edge, leaving Sharp unable to extract the pace he expected. He expanded on how sharply performance dropped.
“So our pace in Q2 and Q3 was all of a sudden really, really weak after being, you know, fighting for pole in Q1. We were six tenths off in Q2, thinking that I’d improved my driving. So, yeah, bit of a difficult way to end qualifying. So nice to bounce back with a podium and show some good speed.”
Wind adds complexity to car balance
As Saturday progressed, strengthening winds added another layer of difficulty. Highlands’ exposed layout magnified aerodynamic sensitivity, forcing drivers to constantly adjust braking points, steering input and throttle application.
Sharp described the challenge of managing those variables: “Yeah, the wind. Yeah, these cars, obviously, with aero, are very, very wind sensitive. I think, you know, our balance can change quite a lot, depending on which corner and which way the wind’s blowing and how strong it is.”
With conditions expected to vary further across the weekend, the team focused on adaptability rather than chasing a perfect solution.
“Ah, I think you can try create a balance to compensate for the wind, but at the end of the day, you don’t know what it’s going to do in that session. So I think the important thing is, as a team, we need to give ourselves the fastest possible race car, and then as a driver, you’ve got to adapt your driving from corner to corner, [because] obviously the wind doesn’t affect you everywhere. Some corners are more sheltered than others, and obviously depending on which direction it is as well.
“So, yeah, as I said, the wind is definitely a factor, but I don’t think we’re necessarily setting up a car for it. We need to just give ourselves the best possible car possible, and then it’s up to me to make the difference.”
Small errors carry big consequences
Even in a controlled drive, small mistakes can alter race outcomes. Sharp acknowledged one moment in particular that briefly unsettled his race and relieved pressure on the car ahead.
Detailing the incident, he said: “Yeah, I dropped the wheel coming out of Turn 5. Unfortunately, my teammate behind me did it as well, but he spun. Luckily, I was able to hold on. So that was kind of the only real mistake I made the whole race, but it was enough to kind of, you know, take a bit of pressure off you in P2, and then it was hard to obviously regain after that.”
Despite escaping major consequences, the moment served as a reminder of how quickly races can shift.
“So, look, as a driver, you’re always pushing as hard as you can. You want to try and minimise those mistakes, but sometimes they do happen. So, yeah, look, got to learn from it. I think got to be a bit more aware for it tomorrow.”
Reverse grid brings opportunity and risk
Attention now turns to Race 2, where the reverse-grid format promises tighter battles and greater unpredictability. For Sharp, the focus shifts to managing traffic, remaining patient and capitalising on others’ errors.
“Race 2 with the reverse grid could be a bit more interesting. Obviously, it’s more congested and more full-on, so I think mistakes are more likely to happen. So the important thing is just to keep a level head, and no matter what, no matter the fighting, always stay calm and keep your eyes forward.”
With a podium secured and momentum restored, Sharp enters the remainder of the weekend prepared to adapt, respond and push for further progress.
