CTFROT | 2026 | Round 1 | Hampton Downs | Qualifying | Ugochukwu leads tight Qualifying battle - Motorsport

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The 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT) season officially came to life at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park as nineteen drivers contested the first Qualifying session, all chasing pole position for Race 1. As the session unfolded, fine margins defined the order, immediately underlining the competitive depth of the field.

Practice pace sets the scene

Ryan Wood entered Qualifying with strong expectations after topping Friday’s Practice sessions. The New Zealander began his single-seater career after two seasons in the Supercars Championship, and many observers marked him as a leading contender. Nevertheless, close lap times across all three practice sessions suggested no clear favourite. Consequently, attention also centred on Formula 3 racer Ugo Ugochukwu, who led Practice 1, as well as two-time WRC World Champion Kalle Rovanperä, ahead of his planned Super Formula debut later in 2026.

Early running and building momentum

As the lights turned green, the drivers immediately took to the circuit for the fifteen-minute session. Initially, the field focused on exploratory laps, carefully warming tyres and steadily increasing speed around the 10-corner, 3.8-kilometre layout. Moreover, with several drivers making their CTFROT debuts, the session delivered a first opportunity for genuine competitive running at Hampton Downs.

The fight for pole intensifies

With just under nine minutes remaining, Ugochukwu set the early benchmark with a 1:35. However, as grip improved and confidence grew, lap times rapidly tumbled. Shortly afterwards, Ryan Wood surged to the top of the timing screens with a 1:29.61, moving ahead of Freddie Slater. Moments later, Jin Nakamura edged even closer with a 1:29.60, slotting into second just one-tenth behind Wood.

However, the order continued to change. With just over five minutes left, Ugochukwu delivered a decisive lap of 1:29.2 to reclaim first place, while Slater, the 2025 FRECA champion, slipped to fourth.

Final minutes decide the grid

As the clock ticked down, the final two minutes brought further improvements despite increasing traffic. Slater climbed to second, while other drivers also found time. Then, with around thirty seconds remaining, Ugochukwu launched into his final lap. At the same time, Louis Sharp jumped to second place, and Kanato Le moved into fourth.

Ultimately, Slater failed to improve and held third, while Wood recovered only to fifth. As a result, Ugo Ugochukwu secured pole position for Race 1 with a best lap of 1:29.267.