The Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT) will begin its new-generation era with a full 22-car grid after unprecedented early interest from international and New Zealand drivers ahead of the 2027 season.
All available places across the six teams have now been allocated, subject to the completion of a handful of remaining driver contracts. Rodin Motorsport joins M2 Competition, TJ Speed Motorsports, mtec Motorsport, Hitech and Kiwi Motorsport for the four-round campaign, which begins at Hampton Downs from 8-10 January.
Each team must field three cars, creating an 18-car base grid, while four teams will run an additional fourth entry reserved for a New Zealand driver. That brings the regular field to 22 cars as CTFROT introduces its second-generation Formula Regional machinery.
Six teams confirmed for 2027 CTFROT
The six teams confirmed for the 2027 season are:
- Rodin Motorsport
- M2 Competition
- TJ Speed Motorsports
- mtec Motorsport
- Hitech
- Kiwi Motorsport
All six will run at least three cars, while four teams will operate a fourth entry exclusively for a New Zealand driver.
Rodin joins established CTFROT teams
Rodin Motorsport represents the major new addition to the CTFROT grid for 2027. The New Zealand-founded organisation brings extensive experience from international junior single-seater racing and joins five teams already familiar with the championship.
M2 Competition returns after taking both major honours in 2026, when Ugo Ugochukwu secured the Drivers’ Championship and the team topped the Teams’ standings. The title battle remained competitive throughout the 2026 CTFROT campaign, with the compact four-round schedule again attracting highly rated drivers preparing for programmes elsewhere in the world.
Hitech, mtec Motorsport, TJ Speed Motorsports and Kiwi Motorsport complete the six-team line-up. The fact that every regular seat has already been allocated several months before the opening race underlines the level of interest surrounding the championship’s next technical era.
New-generation car begins CTFROT era in January
The 2027 season will mark the competitive debut of CTFROT’s second-generation Formula Regional car as Toyota and GAZOO Racing continue their long-term involvement in the FIA single-seater pathway.
The new machinery maintains CTFROT’s position between FIA-certified Formula 4 and FIA Formula 3, giving young drivers an opportunity to gain Formula Regional experience during the Southern Hemisphere summer before many move into championships in Europe, North America or elsewhere.
The series has long provided significant mileage during a relatively short period, and that remains a major part of its appeal. Drivers will complete more than 3,000 kilometres across testing, practice, qualifying and racing during the four consecutive race weekends.
CTFROT will also continue to award FIA Super Licence points, adding further value for drivers progressing towards the higher levels of international single-seater competition.
International and New Zealand talent set for full grid
The complete driver line-up has not yet been announced, but organisers expect the 22-car field to feature competitors from across the international single-seater landscape.
Drivers with race-winning experience in Formula 3 and Formula 4 are set to join talent emerging from domestic categories such as Formula Racing NZ. The combination continues CTFROT’s established approach of bringing international prospects together with New Zealand drivers during an intensive summer campaign.
The rule allowing four teams to field a fourth car specifically for a New Zealand competitor also creates more opportunities for domestic drivers without reducing the number of places available to international entrants.
GAZOO Racing New Zealand Motorsport Manager Nicolas Caillol believes the strong early demand demonstrates the wider role CTFROT continues to play within Toyota’s driver development programme.
“The Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy has always been about more than crowning a champion. It is a key part of Toyota’s long-term commitment to finding New Zealand’s next world champion and providing young drivers from New Zealand and around the world with the best possible platform to develop their talent.”
CTFROT combines track time, Super Licence points and Macau prize
The switch to the new Formula Regional car forms only part of the sporting package available in 2027. CTFROT will continue to combine extensive track time with FIA Super Licence points and a concentrated race schedule across four consecutive weekends.
The championship will also offer a prize connected to Macau for the overall champion and leading eligible New Zealand or Australian driver, adding another incentive for competitors targeting international single-seater careers.
Caillol believes the combination of machinery, teams and track time strengthens CTFROT’s position within the global junior racing structure.
“The move to the next generation Formula Regional car further strengthens that commitment. By combining world-class teams, extensive track-time, Super Licence points and a highly competitive international field, we are continuing to deliver a championship that is recognized globally as one of the most valuable steps in the driver development pathway.”
He added: “We are proud that drivers and teams from across the world see New Zealand as an essential part of their journey to the highest levels of motorsport. Our focus remains on creating an environment that challenges young drivers, accelerates their development and prepares them for success on the world stage.”
2027 CTFROT calendar
The 2027 CTFROT season will again run across four consecutive January weekends:
- 8-10 January: Hampton Downs Motorsport Park
- 15-17 January: Taupo Motorsport Park
- 22-24 January: Teretonga Park
- 29-31 January: Highlands Motorsport Park — 71st New Zealand Grand Prix
CTFROT will headline the Repco NextGen NZ Motorsport Championship programme, beginning at Hampton Downs before moving to Taupo and Teretonga. Highlands will then host the final round and the 71st New Zealand Grand Prix.
The finale continues CTFROT’s close association with one of New Zealand motorsport’s most significant events. Hitech driver Zack Scoular won the 70th New Zealand Grand Prix in 2026 as the team completed a podium sweep at Highlands.
Wildcard 23rd car possible for New Zealand Grand Prix
Although the regular CTFROT grid has reached its 22-car capacity, organisers have left room for one further entry at the season finale.
A wildcard 23rd car remains available for the 71st New Zealand Grand Prix amid ongoing interest from high-profile drivers looking to contest the event. No driver has yet been confirmed, but the possibility leaves the door open for an additional headline name at Highlands.
With all regular seats already allocated, Rodin joining an established group of teams and the second-generation Formula Regional car making its debut, the 2027 CTFROT season will begin with considerable momentum. The championship’s combination of a full international grid, extensive mileage and four consecutive race weekends should once again make New Zealand an important early-season destination for young drivers preparing for the next stage of their careers.
