Pit Debrief

Motorsport news

Pit Debrief

Motorsport news

Tag: Jin Nakamura

Jin Nakamura explains the differences between driving in FRECA to F3 ahead of his 2026 season in FIA Formula 3.
Photo Credit: Formula 3

“I’m looking forward to it”: Nakamura on his 2026 rookie season in F3 with Hitech

Shania Wallage04 mins

Jin Nakamura heads into the 2026 FIA F3 season with significant momentum after an impressive campaign in the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT), and having previous experience in Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA). During a recent virtual media session attended by Pit Debrief, the Japanese driver reflected on the lessons gained…

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Hitech Team Manager Paul Bellringer is confident about the team's prospects for the 2026 F3 season after a productive pre-season in Barcelona.
Photo Credit: Formula 3 | X

Bellringer confident after 2026 F3 Barcelona tests bring confidence for Hitech ahead of Melbourne opener

Karishma Persad04 mins

Hitech Team Manager Paul Bellringer expressed his satisfaction with the team’s 2026 F3 pre-season efforts, noting that the three-day Barcelona test provided valuable experience for both drivers and the team as a whole. With new rookie drivers, Jin Nakamura and Fionn McLaughlin, joining the experienced Tim Tramnitz, Bellringer believes they are in a strong position…

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The 2026 CTFROT season delivered thrilling racing, with Ugochukwu's consistency and M2 Competition's dominance leading to ultimate glory.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hanks

A review of 2026 CTFROT: Ugochukwu and M2 Motorsport shine in new era of racing

Karishma Persad014 mins

The 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT) season proved to be a thrilling spectacle, packed with intense racing, unpredictable weather, and nail-biting championship battles. From the opening round at Hampton Downs to the dramatic finale at Highlands Motorsport Park, each weekend delivered its fair share of surprises, with drivers showcasing not only their…

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Zack Scoular wins the 70th New Zealand Grand Prix as Ugo Ugochukwu claims the 2026 CTFROT title at Highlands.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hanks

CTFROT | 2026 | Round 4 | Highlands | Race 3 | 70th New Zealand Grand Prix | Scoular wins as Ugochukwu clinches title

Karishma Persad06 mins

After 14 races across four venues, the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT) reached its dramatic conclusion at Highlands Motorsport Circuit with the 70th running of the New Zealand Grand Prix. The historic event delivered both prestige and pressure, as Zack Scoular claimed a dominant Grand Prix victory while Ugo Ugochukwu secured the…

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Kanato Le wins Race 2 at Highlands as Safety Cars and incidents shape the CTFROT 2026 finale fight to the flag.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hanks

CTFROT | 2026 | Round 4 | Highlands | Race 2 | Le leads from start to finish in incident-filled Race 2

Karishma Persad05 mins

Race 2 of the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT) finale at Highlands Motorsport Park delivered drama from the opening lap to the chequered flag, as Kanato Le controlled proceedings from pole while incidents, investigations and two Safety Car periods shaped the fight behind. A decisive start, timely restarts and late neutralisation ultimately…

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Jin Nakamura reflects on qualifying brilliance, and race balance issues after finishing second in 2026 CTFROT Race 1 at Highlands.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hanks

Nakamura eyes more in 2026 CTFROT New Zealand Grand Prix after strong Saturday at Highlands

Karishma Persad03 mins

Jin Nakamura delivered one of the standout performances of Saturday at Highlands Motorsport Park, combining exceptional qualifying speed with a solid second-place finish in Race 1 of the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship (CTFROT). As the final weekend of the season unfolded, Nakamura emerged as one of the fastest drivers on the circuit,…

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Ugo Ugochukwu reigned victorious at Highlands Motorsport Park for Race 1 of CTFROT 2026. Full report and results here.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hanks

CTFROT | 2026 | Round 4 | Highlands | Race 1 | Ugochukwu claims victory and extends title lead

Shania Wallage03 mins

Ugo Ugochukwu claimed victory in Race 1 at Highlands Motorsport Park for CTFROT 2026. After moving ahead of Nakamura off the line, he lead the race from then onwards to extend his championship lead by 29 points. Jin Nakamura lined up on the front row alongside championship leader Ugo Ugochukwu, while New Zealanders Louis Sharp…

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Fast laps and late drama headline Friday practice at Highlands as Wood, Nakamura and Scoular shine ahead of the 2026 CTFROT New Zealand Grand Prix.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hanks

CTFROT | 2026 | Round 4 | Highlands | Practice | Wood, Nakamura and Scoular star as finale heats up

Karishma Persad04 mins

Fast laps, changing track conditions and a dramatic late crash combined to produce an absorbing Friday at Highlands Motorsport Park, where the final round of the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT) burst into life with three Free Practice sessions. Across three highly competitive practice sessions, Jin Nakamura, Zack Scoular and Ryan Wood…

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CTFROT 2026: Freddie Slater wins a chaotic, rain-hit Race 4 at Teretonga as late drama drops Ugo Ugochukwu out.
Photo Credit: Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ | Joel Hanks

CTFROT | 2026 | Round 3 | Teretonga | Race 4 | Slater claims the Spirit of a Nation Cup after Ugochukwu falters

Karishma Persad05 mins

After a weekend dominated by wet conditions, Race 4 of Round 3 of the 2026 CTFROT finally began at Teretonga Park in marginally drier weather. Crucially, this allowed drivers to use push-to-pass for the first time all weekend. However, mixed conditions, multiple interruptions, and late drama ensured the Spirit of a Nation Cup delivered yet…

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