Field of up to 22
Toyota Gazoo Racing New Zealand (TGRNZ) has confirmed the six teams that will take the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy into its next era.
M2 Competition, Mtec Motorsport, Kiwi Motorsport, Hitech GP and TJ Speed Motorsport have been retained as official teams.
Rodin Motorsport – currently competing successfully in FIA Formula 2, F3, Formula Regional European Championship, GB3 Championship and F1 Academy – is the new team added to the roster.
It already has strong pathway links domestically through its involvement with MotorSport NZ and the Formula Ford to Formula 1, powered by Rodin Cars, programme.
Teams were assessed on criteria with most focusing on their ability to add to the quality of the championship as it enters its new Gen 2 Formula Regional era. Each team will receive a base allocation of three vehicles with the opportunity to run a fourth if it’s allocated to a Kiwi, potentially creating a field of up to 22 cars.
Capability of running a successful multi-car team in the series, the ability to attract top young competitors, geographical location, driver progression opportunities, financial stability and sustainability, operational strength, sporting conduct, and alignment with the TGR brand and global junior formulae landscape were considered.
“This was a very significant process as we enter this new era and we set the standards extremely high for all applicants,” says Nicolas Caillol, manager of TGRNZ.
“We are disappointed to lose Giles Motorsport as a result, and 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 NZ Grand Prix with Will Brown.
“Several other major teams from the 15 that entered the tender process will also be disappointed, but we’re confident we have the right group moving forward.
“Selecting Rodin Motorsport means 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 US, Europe and Oceania, the championship’s reach extends far beyond the region into key global markets.”
The final calendar for the inaugural season of the Gen 2 era is set to be confirmed soon, along with a prize package for the champion and winner of the Tasman Trophy for the best-placed Australian or New Zealander.
Testing of the new vehicle, which features a lighter, improved version of the engine used successfully since 2020, will begin shortly with TGRNZ optimistic it will produce better racing.
