Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania begins Team Tender process

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand has confirmed that the tendering process is now open for the carry‑over of existing teams and introduction of potential new teams for new Gen 2 Formula Regional car era set to begin in January 2027.

TGRNZ hopes the tendering process will help secure the best junior formulae racing teams currently competing in Oceania, Europe, Asia and the United States – enhancing the quality of one of motorsports best Formula Regional championships even further.

“Multi-year agreements with teams will provide series and grid stability and ensure all aspects of the championship operational processes achieve FIA Regional Formula standards and beyond and also provide teams with medium to long-term certainty,” explained TGRNZ Motorsport Manager Nicolas Caillol.

“The new car represents a significant moment when the teams can evaluate the package and remain or become involved, or indeed step away and focus on other motorsport projects.

“We believe our 2026 roster of teams is one of the strongest ever assembled for a New Zealand-based championship and it would be fantastic to see that maintained or indeed enhanced.

“Our championship provides not only a professional and development-focused environment for emerging racing drivers within Oceania and the international single-seater pathway, it also offers exactly the same benefits for teams.”

Two new teams joined New Zealand’s premier single seater championship in 2026 – Hitech and TJ Speed – joining series stalwarts M2 Competition, mtec Motorsport, Kiwi Motorsport and Giles Motorsport.

TGRNZ confirmed last week that with the support of TGR Global Motorsport it will make the step up to a new Gen 2 Formula Regional chassis in 2027 for its flagship Castrol Toyota FR Oceania Trophy, continuing its philosophy of developing people, performance and technology through motorsport.

The new car will replace the fleet of Toyota FT-60s which have been in service since 2020. TGRNZ will continue its long-term relationship with Italian manufacturer Tatuus, who will supply the chassis.
 
It will be based on the FIA Formula Regional Gen 2 T‑326 chassis, as used in the FIA Formula Regional European Championship (FREC), and will be powered by an evolution of the proven 2.0‑litre turbocharged 8AR‑FTS engine used in the New Zealand series since 2020.

Any teams wishing to know more should contact Josh Greenland via email at josh.greenland@toyota.co.nz to discuss next steps. Tender submissions close on 16 May 2026.