Le to bring unrivalled Formula Regional experience to NZ campaign
Aspiring Japanese single seater racer Kanato Le will bring vast experience of junior formula to the forthcoming Castrol Formula Regional Oceania Trophy in New Zealand when he joins Hitech for what he hopes will be a championship challenge.
Eighteen-year-old Kanato was originally from Tokyo but moved to the UK alone when he was just 12 years old to compete in European karting championships and further progress his dream of making it to Formula 1.
Three seasons in karting netted one European title and several top ten championship finishes before he stepped up to single seaters in 2022, competing in Formula 4 and gaining some tin top experience in the popular Ginette Junior series in the UK.
Le is arguably one of the most experienced Formula Regional drivers in the world having raced in the category in 2024 in the Middle East Formula Regional Championship and in the European Series. In 2025 he took his first win in the Middle East Championship.
In both seasons he also ran in the GB3 Championship winning one race and taking three podium finishes in 2025. He’s also taken part in the Macau Brand Prix twice and has significant Formula 4 mileage under his belt too.
Like many of the rising single seater stars heading to New Zealand in January, Le is using the campaign as preparation for a season in FIA F3 with ART Grand Prix. It will be his first time down under and he is aiming to put his extensive Formula Regional experience to good use.
“I’m really looking forward to racing in New Zealand for the first time,” he said.
“To be able to race against top drivers before the main season starts will be very valuable and of course I’ll be focussing on trying to win the championship with Hitech.”
Fans will be able to follow the impressive list of drivers and the championship easily. Qualifying will be livestreamed on TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand’s YouTube channel. Races will also be on that channel and on SkySport domestically in New Zealand. Races will also be streamed live on the Motorsport.TV platform.
2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy
Rd1 9-11 January - Hampton Downs International Motorsport Park
Rd2 16-18 January - Taupo International Motorsport Park
Rd3 23-25 January - Teretonga Raceway, Invercargill
Rd4 30 Jan -1st Feb - 70th New Zealand Grand Prix – Highlands International Motorsport Park
