A major New Zealand motorsport championship is again setting a new standard for the sport.
The 2025 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship (CTFROC) is running over five weekends in January and February.
And, with support from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand (TGRNZ), for the second year in a row all cars will be running on 100% fossil-free fuel supplied by P1 Fuels.
TGRNZ Manager of Motorsport Nicolas Caillol says: “Toyota New Zealand and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand are leading the way in junior categories by being the first FIA Formula Regional Championship to run with 100% fossil-free fuel.
“It is key for us to keep enjoying the sport and developing young talent while keeping in mind reducing the impact of motorsport on the environment.”
P1 has also supplied fuel for the World Rally Championship since 2022 and will support the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) from 2025 onwards.
The partnership’s promise of 100% fossil-free fuel for CTFROC will have a considerable impact on lowering the emissions from racing in New Zealand.
Cleaner fuel suitable for powerful cars
P1 fuels are made in Belgium using 100% non-fossil, non-food based stocks, such as agricultural residues.
It has greater carbon efficiency and is easy for racing vehicles to switch to, emitting 75% less CO2 compared to regular fuel and able to function in any combustion engine with no modification needed.
Caillol says a 2023 test programme found no issues with the P1 fuel and that the cars proved to be fast and reliable.
The fuel’s use lines up with Toyota NZ and TGRNZ’s sustainability initiatives as well as MotorSport New Zealand’s Sustainability Fund.
Across CTFROC’s five rounds during the 2024 season, a total of 28 tons of CO2 was saved on emissions during the combined 52,451kms raced.
On the Toyota 86 Championship side, over the championships six rounds, a total of 29,415kg of CO2 has been offset, working with the MotorSport New Zealand Sustainability Fund, partnering with Trees That Count to deliver these carbon-offset projects. In the case of the Toyota 86 Championship, 204 trees have been planted across New Zealand.
An exciting, more sustainable future for NZ motorsport
For the ongoing 2024-25 season, TGRNZ says it’s looking to grow its commitment to sustainability as it adapts the new Toyota GR86 and works towards carbon neutrality in the long run.
Toyota New Zealand has committed to a reduction of 46% of its 2019 baseline CO2 emission by 2030. This is exemplified by vehicles such as the 2024 Hilux Hybrid, and broader initiatives including the hydrogen powered foiling chase boat Chase Zero for Team New Zealand at this year’s America’s Cup.
Caillol celebrates TGRNZ and Toyota NZ’s sustainability developments, reiterating the importance of running fossil-free fuels in motorsport, both in New Zealand and beyond.
“Our goal is carbon neutrality with both of our domestic racing championships and to set new standards for environmentally conscious motorsport in New Zealand,” he says.
This content was sponsored by Toyota New Zealand. Learn more about the 2025 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship here, and the 2024/25 Bridgestone GR86 Championship here.
