Series stepping up to new car
Toyota Gazoo Racing New Zealand (TGRNZ) has confirmed it will make the step up to a Gen 2 Formula Regional chassis in 2027 for its flagship FR Oceania Trophy.
The new vehicle will replace the fleet of FT-60s, which have been in service since 2020. TGRNZ will continue its long-term relationship with Italian manufacturer Tatuus, which will supply the chassis.
The car, which has the backing of TGR Global Motorsport, will be based on the FIA Formula Regional Gen 2 T 326 chassis used in the FIA Formula Regional European Championship. It will be powered by an upgraded two litre turbocharged 8AR FTS engine used in the New Zealand series since 2020.
The package is aligned with Gen 2 targets for performance, efficiency and sustainability, reflecting TGR’s commitment to pushing technical limits while remaining relevant to real-world development. It will produce about 280hp.
The car, pictured above, will retain the push to pass system introduced for the 2026 Castrol Toyota FR Oceania Trophy, reinforcing the series’ driver-focused racing philosophy. Pirelli – the nominated tyre supplier for all FR championship and trophy series – will continue to supply the Kiwi vehicles.
Two test cars are due to arrive in New Zealand shortly from Italy and will be fitted with the Gen 2 engine ahead of a full testing programme. A tendering process is also under way to confirm the carry over of existing teams along with evaluating new interest.
Nicolas Caillol, TGRNZ’s motorsport manager, says: “Switching to Gen 2 underlines our commitment to the FIA’s single-seater pyramid as a progression for drivers from FIA-certified Formula 4, through FIA Formula Regional and on to FIA F3.
“It ensures the cars and competition remain true to the principles of high-performance, driver-first motorsport, and it shows our own commitment to finding New Zealand’s next world champion.
“There is a lot of work to do between now and the 2027 Castrol Toyota FR Oceania Trophy, but we will be ready with a field of up to 22.”
The fleet of existing FT 60s will be sold complete with engines. Many older vehicles, including the original FT 40 and later FT 50s, remain widely used in Aotearoa and internationally, providing sustainable and accessible racing opportunities outside international level competition.
The FR Oceania Trophy is proving to be a significant series with its early-in-the-year timing working well for drivers looking to secure seat time – and FIA Super Licence points – ahead of championships in the northern hemisphere.
In 2026, no fewer than nine drivers competing in this year’s F3 took part in the four-round series here, which culminated in the NZ Grand Prix – one of only two FIA-sanctioned non-F1 grands-prix events with Macau.
Around 25 racers from the series have competed or officially practised or tested in F1. Numerous others have found success in IndyCars, Formula E and the World Endurance Championship.
