That TRS rumour is 16 years-old, and still incorrect

This week formulascout.com have run an article headlined ‘Toyota Racing Series could support Australian GP in 2021’. Their article states that they have ‘learned’ that TRS ‘may support Formula 1 at the Australian Grand Prix and visit iconic MotoGP venue Phillip Island next year for non-championship races.’ This is nothing new, in fact the rumour first started 16-years ago at the inaugural Toyota Racing Series back in 2005.

Back then, the Toyota Racing Series was in its infancy and only just getting underway. We were only into the first couple of rounds at the beginning of 2005 and the gossip in the paddock was that Australia was interested (and wanting) the Toyota Racing Series to be one of the support categories for the Australian F1 Grand Prix in March. Well, that never eventuated.

If we had only taken a step back from the heat of the paddock and realised the actual reality of the situation and the logistics involved. It was a brand-new series with brand new FT40 cars. Both untried and needing to settle in so why would Toyota NZ risk everything and suddenly take the series to Australia for a one-off appearance at the Grand Prix. Then there would be the logistics of freighting cars and equipment across the ditch and that doesn’t happen overnight.

Sixteen years on and the Toyota Racing Series is well bedded into our domestic racing scene and recognised on the international stage. But the logistics haven’t changed, more-so in the extraordinary coronavirus affected year that is 2020.

In 2021 it will be a three-round series finishing on the weekend 12-14 February. The Australian Grand Prix is less than five weeks after the third and final TRS round at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon in Palmonston North. Again, why would Toyota NZ want the series to head over to Australia? What long-term advantage is it going to give them and who is going to pay.

Nothing has really changed in 16 years!