Toyota GAZOO Racing New Zealand (TGRNZ) has confirmed the six teams that will compete in the next chapter of the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT). The announcement marks a major milestone as the championship prepares to enter its highly anticipated Gen 2 Formula Regional era.
Five existing teams have secured their places for the future, while one new organisation has joined the line-up. Together, they will form the foundation of a championship that continues to strengthen its position within the global junior single-seater pathway.
Six teams selected for the future
Following a comprehensive tender process, TGRNZ retained M2 Competition, mtec Motorsport, Kiwi Motorsport, Hitech GP and TJ Speed Motorsport as official championship teams.
Meanwhile, Rodin Motorsport has earned a place on the grid as the newest addition. The team already competes at the highest levels of junior formula racing, including FIA Formula 2, FIA Formula 3, the Formula Regional European Championship (FREC), GB3 Championship and F1 Academy.
Rodin Motorsport also maintains strong connections within New Zealand motorsport through its involvement with MotorSport New Zealand and the Formula Ford to Formula 1, powered by Rodin Cars programme.
The selection process focused heavily on each team’s ability to contribute to the quality and long-term success of the championship during the transition to the new generation of Formula Regional machinery.
Rigorous evaluation process shapes final selection of teams for 2027 CTFROT and the Gen 2 era
TGRNZ assessed teams against a wide range of criteria before making its final decisions. Evaluators examined each applicant’s ability to operate a successful multi-car programme, attract elite young talent and provide meaningful driver progression opportunities.
In addition, the assessment considered geographical location, operational strength, financial sustainability, sporting conduct and alignment with both the Toyota GAZOO Racing brand and the wider global junior formula ecosystem.
Each selected team will receive a base allocation of three cars. Furthermore, teams may operate a fourth entry if that seat goes to a New Zealand driver. As a result, the championship could feature a grid of up to 22 cars.
Addressing the outcome of the process, championship officials acknowledged the difficult decisions involved.
“This was a very significant process as we enter this new era and we set the standards extremely high for all applicants.
“We are disappointed to lose Giles Motorsport as a result of this process and we thank Stephen Giles and his team for their outstanding contribution over many seasons, including four title-winning campaigns and, most recently, victory in the 2025 New Zealand Grand Prix with Will Brown.
“Several other major teams from the 15 that entered the Tender process will also be disappointed, but we are very confident we have the right group moving forward.
Rodin Motorsport brings global opportunities
The addition of Rodin Motorsport stands out as one of the most significant developments from the selection process. The team’s international presence creates additional opportunities for aspiring drivers seeking progression through the global motorsport ladder.
Officials highlighted the strategic value of Rodin Motorsport’s inclusion, particularly because it strengthens New Zealand’s representation within the championship while expanding pathways into international categories.
“Selecting Rodin Motorsport means that another New Zealand team is retained and given that team’s global footprint, driver opportunities to progress into other formulae are significantly enhanced.
“With teams now operating parallel programmes across the USA, Europe and Oceania, the championship’s reach extends far beyond the region into key global markets.”
Focus turns to CTFROT Gen 2 debut
With the team line-up now confirmed, attention shifts towards the inaugural Gen 2 CTFROT. Organisers expect to reveal the final race calendar in the near future.
At the same time, TGRNZ will announce details of the prize package available to both the championship winner and the recipient of the Tasman Trophy, awarded to the highest-placed Australian or New Zealand driver.
The Gen 2 car will feature a lighter and improved version of the engine that has powered the championship successfully since 2020. Consequently, organisers believe the updated package will enhance on-track competition and deliver even closer racing.
Testing programme set to begin as preparations for 2027 continue
The next phase of preparations will begin shortly as teams and officials commence testing of the new machinery. These sessions will provide the first opportunity to evaluate the car’s performance and reliability ahead of its competitive debut.
As Formula Regional Oceania enters a new era, TGRNZ has assembled a blend of established championship contenders and internationally connected organisations. With a strengthened team roster, expanded driver pathways and a new generation of racing cars, the championship appears well-positioned for continued growth on the global motorsport stage.
