- New Formula Regional Oceania Trophy car revealed.
- Car name changes from Formula Toyota (FT) to GR Formula (GRF).
- All cars run on 100% fossil-free fuel.
Toyota New Zealand’s motorsport arm, Gazoo Racing New Zealand, has officially ushered in a new era for motorsport development by unveiling the next-generation car for the Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (formerly the Toyota Racing Series), the GRF-70, at its Hampton Downs headquarters.
Nicolas (Nico) Caillol, Gazoo Racing New Zealand Motorsport Manager, detailed a reinvigorated strategy focused on creating global opportunities for local talent and solidifying New Zealand's status as a premier hub for developing future world champions.
This evolution follows the championship's 2023 transition into an official FIA Formula Regional Championship, a series that has already propelled a number of winners and competitors to Formula One, including current stars like Arvid Lindblad, Liam Lawson, Lance Stroll and reigning world champion Lando Norris.
Caillol emphasised the need to look forward, stating: "We can't really only rely on our past. We need to look towards the future, and we need to keep building more stories, stories like Liam Lawson... We want drivers starting in our pathway looking at him and saying 'I want to be the next Liam Lawson'".
He further explained that the change in prefix from Formula Toyota (FT) to GR Formula (GRF) reflects the "embedding of the single-seater programme into Gazoo Racing DNA".
The centrepiece of this vision is the FIA Formula Regional Gen 2 T-326 Tatuus chassis, which marks the continuation of a partnership with Italian manufacturer Tatuus spanning more than 20 years. Caillol noted that this is likely the longest relationship Tatuus has had with any championship, progressing from the FT-40 through the FT-50 and FT-60 to the new GRF-70.
The new car is a significant leap forward in technology and safety, designed in collaboration with the FIA and Formula One engineers to promote closer racing. Key innovations include advanced aerodynamics with a V-shaped front wing and redesigned rear wing appendixes engineered to reduce the "aerowash" that often hinders overtaking.
Additionally, the car moves from 13-inch to 15-inch wheels, with Pirelli remaining the nominated tyre supplier to align the series more closely with higher-tier formulas.
"It's keeping up to date with what the drivers need to be prepared for,” said Caillol.
“What kind of cars do they need to drive just to be ready for the next step? So it’s ongoing development, and at the same time, it's improving safety".
Under the engine cover, the commitment to "kaizen," or continuous improvement, is present with an evolved version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged 8AR-FTS engine that has been in service since 2020. While the engine maintains approximately 280 horsepower (207kW), Gazoo Racing New Zealand engineers successfully redesigned components to produce a version that is 12 kilograms lighter than the one used in the previous generation car.
The championship will also carry over the push-to-pass system to enhance on-track action while,reflecting a commitment to "real-world vehicle development," the cars will be powered by a 100 percent fossil-free racing fuel.
The Gen 2 machinery also addresses driver experience and safety through a reinforced chassis, enhanced rear rain lights, and improved ergonomics, with Caillol adding that the design offers a better seating position to accommodate a wider range of driver heights and features a redesigned front suspension that reduces the steering effort required by the driver.
Initial testing of the car is already being conducted by former New Zealand Grand Prix winner Liam Sceats, and to ensure a level playing field, a batch of 22 cars is being built and will only be released to teams on the Monday immediately preceding the first race weekend.
The 2027 season will feature six teams: M2 Competition, mtec Motorsport, Kiwi Motorsport, Hitech GP, TJ Speed Motorsport, and new entrant Rodin Motorsport. Caillol highlighted the benefit of these international partnerships, noting, "Having international teams coming into our championship... is offering opportunities for Kiwi drivers to be part of their team here and keep the journey with them in the future".
This pipeline is bolstered by a landmark prize for the 2027 season, which Caillol confirmed: "The overall champion and the Trans Tasman champion will be running in the Macau Grand Prix and representing Gazoo Racing New Zealand... that's an opportunity we couldn't get anywhere else.
“Our goal is clear: to keep New Zealand recognised as one of the world-leading driver development environments, producing talent capable of succeeding internationally... New Zealand has produced world champions before, and we want to produce the next world champion from New Zealand.”