Formula Regional Oceania (FRO) has officially unveiled the car that will be used in 2027, adopting the FIA's second-generation chassis regulations. The new machine, designated GRF-70, is based on the Tatuus T-326 chassis already seen in Europe and the Middle East.
While those series have switched to Toyota engines prepared by ATM for 2026, the New Zealand-based championship will keep an evolution of the 2.0-litre turbocharged 8AR-FTS unit that has powered FR Oceania since 2020. Pirelli will continue as the sole tyre supplier.
The decision to stick with Tatuus came as no surprise. As Toyota GAZOO Racing New Zealand Motorsport Manager Nicolas Caillol explained: "The choice of the Tatuus chassis was an obvious one for us, continuing our relationship of more than 20 years. We started with the FT-40, then the FT-50 and most recently the FT-60 and all were high level, high performance and safe racing cars. We know that will continue with the GRF-70."
The 2027 edition, the 22nd overall and the fifth under FIA Formula Regional regulations, will again feature four events, each with three races. The season kicks off at Hampton Downs on 8-10 January, followed by Taupo International Motorsport Park a week later.
From there, the paddock heads to the South Island for round three at Teretonga Park, before wrapping up at Highlands Motorsport Park, where drivers will compete in the 71st New Zealand Grand Prix on 31 January.
Rodin Motorsport will join the series in 2027, alongside regular entrants M2 Competition, mtec Motorsport, Kiwi Motorsport, Hitech GP, and TJ Speed Motorsport.
The overall FROT winner, as well as the best-placed driver from New Zealand or Australia, will earn a guaranteed entry for the 2027 Macau GP, the FIA's blue-riband event that brings together top Formula Regional drivers from all global series.
Caillol stressed that the move to the Gen-2 chassis underlines the series' commitment to the FIA pyramid and its own goal of finding New Zealand's next World Champion. "There is a lot of work to do between now and the 2027 Castrol Toyota FR Oceania Trophy, but we will be ready, with a field of up to 22 cars," he said. He also highlighted the championship's unique appeal: high mileage, intense competition, and the most cost-effective package in the world, making it an ideal launchpad for drivers heading to Europe, America, or Asia.
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