The Formula Regional Oceania Championship has long been a stepping stone to Formula One.
Formerly known as the Toyota Racing Series, recent graduates include Lando Norris, Liam Lawson, Lance Stroll, Arvid Lindblad, Franco Colapinto and Yuki Tsunoda.
But there will be a high-profile motorsport transition of a different kind whenthe intense four-week championship starts at Hampton Downs on Saturday.
Two-time world rally champion Kalle Rovanpera is using it to fast-track his switch to single-seater racing, ahead of his debut campaign in Japanese Super Formula this year.
“It’s going to be my first time ever in a regional car [Toyota FT-60], so something new to learn. Yeah, a lot of learning to do and much more driving to do to get used to everything.
“The main thing here [in New Zealand] is to get experience and race starts under my belt. The level of performance is not important; it’s about getting experience and time in these sorts of cars.”
Rather than attempting to dominate the WRC like record-setting nine-time champions Sebastien Loeb (2004-12) and Sebastien Ogier (2013-2018, 2020-21 and 2025), Rovanpera decided to try single-seater racing.
“The biggest thing [difference] is the speed and down force, and you have much more grip. The cars are much lighter than a rally car, so it’s much more like a go-kart in how it feels.
The 25-year-old Finn became the youngest two-time WRC champion in 2023. Photo / Photosport
“Also, it’s a lot more physical in the circuit car [single seater]. It only gets hot once in a while, rallying, and it’s nothing like the demands of an F2 car or a Super Formula car. Endurance is very important, as the races are much longer in circuit racing.
“The challenge to improve myself as a driver is important to me, and to do that, you have to try different things and get outside your comfort zone and push yourself with new challenges. And that’s the biggest thing for me,” said the 25-year-old Finn.
There will be plenty of other talented drivers on the grid this month.
“It’s probably the most competitive field we’ve had,” said Nicolas Caillol, motorsport manager at Toyota Gazoo Racing New Zealand. “When you look at the grid, a third are FIA Formula 3 drivers.
“For them being able to do so many races over four weeks and finish before testing begins [back in Europe] makes this championship a good way to start the year. There are nine drivers in the field who will be racing in the F3 championship that starts in Melbourne in March.”
Late last year, former F1 race director Michael Masi was announced as event director for the Repco NextGen New Zealand Championship, which includes the Formula Regional Oceania Trophy. Caillol reckons Masi’s appointment is great news.
“Michael has been a great advocate of this championship and was instrumental, along with Charlie Whiting, in getting this series into the Super Licence scheme [gaining points towards an F1 race licence].
“It’s great to have someone of his expertise not only involved in the championship but also for Motorsport New Zealand. He will also be a support for new race director Amy Pullen and guide her in her new role, and raise the profile of Motorsport New Zealand.”
After the opening round at Hampton Downs, the championship heads to Taupō International Motorsport Park, then Teretonga in Invercargill and Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell, which also hosts the New Zealand Grand Prix.
