NEW ZEALAND GRAND PRIX CANCELLED

The 2022 edition of the New Zealand Grand Prix has been cancelled due to continued border control into the country.

The announcement was made today by Toyota Gazoo Racing New Zealand, MotorSport New Zealand and the promoter SpeedWorks Events.

The Toyota Racing Series had been cut back to just one event, the weekend which would include the 67th New Zealand Grand Prix.

However next month’s NZ GP has been cancelled due to recent changes in the border restrictions and MIQ requirements have left organisers with no option but to cancel the event.

“We have waited until the last possible moment to give potential drivers a chance to get to New Zealand for the GP event,’ explained Toyota Gazoo Racing New Zealand Motorsport Manager Nicolas Caillol.

“However, with the border restrictions currently in place and all of those drivers simply unable to find MIQ spots, we do not believe we can run the Grand Prix that we or the spectators want to see or that the event itself deserves, so we have very reluctantly decided to cancel this year’s race.

“At least eight drivers who were lined up to race have not been able to secure an MIQ spot.

“Those eight would have made a big difference to the quality and size of our grid for the GP and had they been able to get here, we would have been able to put on a great show.

“It remains very challenging in the current economic climate for young drivers to raise sponsorship here in New Zealand.

“That’s despite the welcome support offered by the Tony Quinn Foundation, Castrol and numerous other companies and organisations who invest in our young Kiwi driving talent.

“We are so thankful many great kiwi drivers wanted to return to help support this great event and our young drivers. I’d like to extend my thanks to everyone involved, this decision was not in spite of your efforts.”

The legendary race has only been cancelled on a handful of occasions since it first ran in 1950. The last time the event did not take place was in 2001, over two decades ago.

The event itself at Hampton Downs will continue to go ahead with the packed Grand Prix support card.

Organisers are expected to announce plans imminently for a signature race replacement for the weekend from February 12-13.

MotorSport New Zealand has been in conversations with the FIA in regards to the decision to cancel the race, as the Kiwi event remains one of only two races outside of the Formula One World Championship to be officially recognised by the governing body as a Grand Prix.

MotorSport New Zealand CEO Elton Goonan expressed it was a tough decision for everyone involved, but there was no other option.

“The New Zealand Grand Prix is one of the most significant events on NZ’s motorsport calendar and the decision to not run in 2022 has not been taken lightly,” he expressed.

“We will continue to work with the FIA and TGRNZ to plan for the 2023 season and enable our local drivers to showcase their talent against some of the world’s up and coming best.”

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