Formula Regional Oceania has presented its new car, which will be introduced into the competition in 2027, marking an important step in the adoption of the FIA’s second-generation chassis regulations. The vehicle, known as GRF-70, is based on the Tatuus Gen-2 T-326 chassis, which is already used in European and Middle Eastern competitions.
Unlike the championships that will use Toyota engines prepared by the ATM company starting in 2026, the GRF-70 in New Zealand will maintain the turbocharged 2.0-liter 8AR-FTS engine, which has been in use since 2020. The brand Pirelli will continue as the tire supplier for the series.
The collaboration with Tatuus is not new, as Nicolas Caillol, motorsport manager of Toyota GAZOO Racing New Zealand, has commented: “The choice of the Tatuus chassis was obvious, as we have maintained a relationship for over 20 years. We started with the FT-40, then the FT-50 and most recently the FT-60, all high-level competition cars with performance and safety. We are confident that this will also be fulfilled with the GRF-70.”
2027 Season Schedule
The 2027 edition, which will be the 22nd overall and the fifth to comply with FIA regulations for Formula Regional, will consist of four events, each consisting of three races. The competition will start at Hampton Downs, near Auckland, from January 8 to 10, before moving to Taupo International Motorsport Park a week later.
Next, teams will travel to the South Island for the third event at Teretonga Park, on the outskirts of Invercargill, before concluding the season at Highlands Motorsport Park, where drivers will compete in the 71st New Zealand Grand Prix on January 31.
Team and Opportunities
Rodin Motorsport will join the series in 2027, along with other regular teams such as M2 Competition, mtec Motorsport, Kiwi Motorsport, Hitech GP, and TJ Speed Motorsport.
The overall winner of the FROT, as well as the best driver from New Zealand or Australia, will be guaranteed an entry for the 2027 Macau Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious events in the FIA bringing together the best Formula Regional drivers in the world.
Caillol emphasizes that the change to the second-generation chassis reaffirms the series’ commitment to the FIA pyramid. “There is much work to be done until the Castrol Toyota FR Oceania Trophy of 2027, but we will be ready with up to 22 cars on the grid,” he assures. Caillol is optimistic that the FROT can build on the success of 2026 with a grid full of local and international drivers, especially given the unstable geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
The competition offers a unique appeal due to the large number of kilometers and the intense rivalry, which is unmatched in the preparation of drivers for competitions in the northern hemisphere in Europe, America, and Asia. “We compete at a very convenient time on the calendar for them, and we are the most economical FR competition in the world,” concludes Caillol.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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