It’s a case of all-change for New Zealand’s world-renowned Castrol Toyota Racing Series with the official launch today (Wed May 29) of a new, bigger 2-litre turbo-engined/halo-equipped Tatuus car (code-named FT-60) and official Toyota Gazoo Racing branding.
The new FT-60 – the third car the series will have used in a championship that stretches back 15 years – is a state-of-the-art racing machine that is more like a scaled down Formula 1 car than either of its predecessors, the FT-40 and FT-50.
Designed and built – like the FT-40 and FT-50 before it – by Italian specialist Tatuus, the new chassis is similar to that used in other global junior formulae, but will use a new, now full 2-litre and turbocharged engine which will produce 200kW (270hp) of peak power, making it one of the best performing junior cars on the FIA’s recognised pathway to Formula 1.
The new car – of which 20 will be built and leased to teams by Toyota Gazoo Racing NZ – features all of the key recent safety initiatives developed by the FIA in conjunction with Formula 1. The obvious one is a ‘halo’ driver protection system to protect the driver from side, top and frontal impact from debris in an accident but the new (longer, wider, taller and significantly heavier) chassis also features the very latest in side and front impact technology as well.
Twin wheel tethers are included in the design to prevent wheels flying off in the event of a crash and the chassis itself has undergone 36 controlled crash tests in the laboratory to ensure it meets the highest standards of safety in the sport today.
The new engine is a turbocharged, direct injection 2-litre unit based on the 8AR FTS engine used in both Toyota and Lexus models, developed into a full race engine by the same NZ engineers involved in the development and maintenance of the previous 1.8L engine used for the FT-40 and FT-50.
Significantly larger tyres (though a decision on a brand partner has yet to be made) than on previous TRS cars will transmit the increased power to the road via a six-speed sequential Sadev gearbox, while Tatuus estimates that its latest aerodynamics package means the FT-60 will generate around 25% more downforce than the FT-50.
Despite the exotic materials and processes used in the car – it features a chassis, bodywork and front and rear wing packages manufactured solely out of carbon fibre composites – the FT-60 falls within the FIA’s own cost restriction parameters with known costs for replacement parts a critical element in ensuring the category isn’t just accessible to international drivers but also to up and coming Kiwi racers.
It’s a recipe series manager Nicolas Caillol says will further increase the profile of the series on the global motorsport stage, as well as being a major boost to the sport domestically.
“The FT-60 is a modern car that packs increased power and more downforce than anything we have had before in the series,” he said. “It is a globally relevant car and a globally relevant championship for any serious young racing driver and we hope to attract even more up and coming stars looking to make a step up in their career.
“They could be from Formula 4, from Formula 3, from the all women W Series or from other Tier 3 categories in the FIA ladder. It is even relevant for those who have been successful in Tier 2 categories looking to consolidate and sharpen their skills, or gain more Super Licence points, on their final push towards F1.
“Our championship also offers what we believe to be the best value for money of all global junior formulae in terms of track time per dollar. That’s an important consideration for any driver and team these days and we have put that at the forefront of our championship offering. Add to that of course, five challenging and contrasting tracks and a five week adventure in New Zealand.”
The other big news, for the sport here in NZ as much as for the Castrol TRS series and Allied Toyota Finance 86 Championship is that all officially-sanctioned Toyota Racing NZ activity will now be done under the factory’s Toyota Gazoo Racing motorsport brand with Toyota Racing NZ now becoming Toyota Gazoo Racing New Zealand.
For more information go to http://www.toyotagazooacing.co.nz or
Comments