NZ’s CTFROC dates set for 2025
The 2025 calendar and dates for the FIA sanctioned Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship (CTFROC) in New Zealand has been locked away for its 20th anniversary season.
Since its debut at the Toyota Racing Series in 2004, the championship has been a regular breeding ground for future Formula 1 stars, with its five round 2025 go-around set for another five straight weeks over five circuits.
The series also includes its regular hosting of the New Zealand Grand Prix, which next year will celebrate its 69th anniversary at the Highlands Motorsport Park as its finale on February 7-9.
The opening weekend will take place on January 10-12 at Taupo International Motorsport Park with a grid capped at 20 cars, before heading to Hampton Downs, Manfeild’s Circuit Chris Amon, Teretonga Park in Invercargill, before the 69th NZ GP, capping off five successive weeks of 15 races.
Over the past 20 years, no fewer than 24 of its graduates have gone on to having tested, practiced, or raced on an F1 Grand Prix weekend, the most recent of which is Williams’ Argentinian stand in Franco Colapinto, who was the series’ rookie champion in 2020.
The CTFROC series has been a breeding ground for the top-level across the last 20 years
Other recent juniors to have gone through the series and are having continued Junior Formulae success is 2024 Rookie Champion, Patrick Woods-Toth who won the Formula Regional Americas title, and 2023 Race winner Louis Foster won the Indy NXT Championship.
TGRNZ Motorsport Manager Nicolas Caillol says the 2025 season will be no different.
“The calendar dates of the championship traditionally give the champions of tomorrow a great opportunity to gain significant mileage and sharpen their skills ahead of northern hemisphere campaigns,” he explained.
“The TRS and CTFROC series have therefore always appealed to those who want to succeed at the highest levels of motorsport.
That’s recognised by the FIA too, who have over time increased the allocation of Super Licence points. As one of only five Formula Regional championships in the world, drivers considering the 20th anniversary championship can expect exceptionally high quality once again.”
2025 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship
Round 01: January 10-12, Taupo International Motorsport Park
Round 02: January 17-19, Hampton Downs International Motorsport Park
Round 03: January 24-26, Manfeild, Circuit Chris Amon
Round 04: January 31– February 2, Teretonga Park, Invercargill
Round 05: February 7-9, Highlands Motorsport Park, 69th New Zealand Grand Prix
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