TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand has attracted significant international attention ahead of the introduction of its new Gen 2 Formula Regional car in January 2027. Teams from across the junior single-seater ladder have already entered the tendering process, underlining the growing reputation of the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT) on the global motorsport stage.
The strong response highlights the championship’s increasing influence as a key development platform for emerging racing talent. Moreover, the New Zealand-based series continues to strengthen its reputation for competitive parity and technical excellence.
Teams from across junior motorsport show interest
A total of 15 existing teams have submitted expressions of interest to compete in the new Gen 2 era. The list includes all six incumbent teams that participated in the successful 2026 championship campaign.
In addition, teams involved in categories ranging from Formula 4 to FIA Formula 2 have entered the process, demonstrating the championship’s broad appeal throughout international junior motorsport.
TGRNZ Motorsport Manager Nicolas Caillol welcomed the response from teams worldwide.
“Obviously we are thrilled to have such interest from the sport globally and it’s a sure sign that the New Zealand-based series is on the radar of virtually all of the professional junior formulae teams around the world,” said TGRNZ Motorsport Manager Nicolas Caillol.
Unique championship structure continues to attract teams
The CTFROT offers a distinctive structure compared with many rival championships. TGRNZ prepares identical cars at its permanent facility at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, ensuring consistency throughout the field.
As a result, teams and drivers compete in machinery with exceptional parity, placing greater emphasis on driver ability and technical execution.
At the same time, TGRNZ continues to refine its technical package for the upcoming Gen 2 era. Engineers are currently building a fresh batch of 280bhp 8AR-FTS engines to a revised specification, with improvements focused primarily on weight reduction.
The updated engines build on an already proven platform that has earned widespread praise for reliability and performance.
Challenging circuits set drivers apart
The championship’s demanding race calendar remains another major attraction for teams and drivers alike. New Zealand’s technically challenging circuits continue to test competitors in a variety of conditions, helping the best young drivers stand out.
Caillol believes the combination of equal machinery and difficult tracks makes the series one of the strongest proving grounds in junior motorsport.
“The parity of the cars and engines is second to none and that combined with the unforgiving and technically demanding circuits we have on the four-round calendar ensure it is the best drivers who will be the stand-out performers,” added Caillol. “And that’s why the Castrol Toyota FR Oceania Trophy is popular.”
Championship continues to produce Formula 1 talent
The series has already established a strong record of developing future stars. More than 25 graduates have progressed to driving Formula 1 machinery in various capacities.
Furthermore, the current Formula 1 grid features several former competitors from the championship. Former champions Lando Norris, Liam Lawson and Lance Stroll all advanced through the category, while graduates Franco Colapinto and 2025 champion Arvid Lindblad have also reached the Formula 1 environment.
Consequently, the championship continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s most respected junior driver pathways.
Team selection process nears completion
The tendering process officially closed on 16 May, and officials are now evaluating all applications. Successful teams will receive notification once the assessment phase concludes.
After that, organisers will confirm the final line-up of teams set to compete in the 2027 championship, marking the beginning of a new era for Formula Regional racing in Oceania.
