Racing now fossil-fuel free

Toyota Financial Services (TFS) has extended its sponsorship of Toyota New Zealand’s motorsport activities as it gets behind the racing division’s 100 per cent fossil-free fuel drive.

Toyota Gazoo Racing NZ (TGRNZ) is under way with its Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship and – for the first time in 19 seasons of the manufacturer-supported single-seater championship – all cars are running on fossil-free fuel supplied by P1 Fuels.

A new model Toyota GR86 Championship starts next season and the objective is for that category to also run on fossil-free fuel.

It’s a major initiative for the Kiwi operation, but has caught the eye of TFS, which is a global giant serving many customers in addition to Toyota’s.

Brent Knight, TFS’ chief executive officer, says: “As part of the Toyota family, we are passionate about supporting efforts to reduce the impact of vehicles on the environment. Switching to 100 per cent fossil-free fuel is an exciting development for the future of New Zealand’s motorsport. “

TGRNZ’s motorsport manager, Nicolas Caillol, is delighted to secure the expanded support, and reiterates how important running fossil-free fuel is for motorsport in New Zealand and beyond.

He adds: “Toyota New Zealand and TGRNZ are leading the way in junior categories by being the first FIA Formula Regional Championship to run with 100 per cent fossil-free fuel.

“It is key for us to keep enjoying the sport and developing young talents while keeping in mind reducing the impact of motorsport on the environment. But without partners and sponsors, it’s not an easy and cost-effective thing to do so having Toyota Financial Services supporting that initiative is important.”

TFS has a worldwide network that covers around 90 per cent of markets in which the marque sells its vehicles. It is mainly concentrated on car loans, leases and Toyota dealer requirements, but also provides financing to about 11.6 million customers across a variety of marques.