James Wharton has confirmed his participation in the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship, where he will race with TJ Speed in collaboration with HMD Motorsports. The Australian driver, who is currently set to compete in the FIA Formula 3 Championship with Prema Racing next year, will take part in the highly regarded New Zealand-based series during the European winter.
Widely recognised as a key development platform for emerging talent, the Castrol Toyota FR Oceania Championship offers a competitive environment, challenging circuits, and valuable mileage for drivers targeting the upper levels of single-seater racing.
For Wharton, the programme represents a strategic opportunity to maintain race sharpness, refine his skills in high-downforce machinery, and continue building momentum outside the European season.
Working alongside TJ Speed with HMD Motorsport, Wharton will benefit from a structured and experienced technical environment, with the focus firmly on performance, consistency, and continued development. The campaign forms an integral part of his broader 2026 racing programme, complementing his commitments in FIA Formula 3.
«I’m obviously super excited to start 2026 in New Zealand. It will be my first time racing there and the closest I’ve ever been to home in Australia, so I really can’t wait to get started. This experience will be key in preparing me for my second season in Formula 3, with the goal of arriving in Melbourne fully prepared and ready to go».
The championship will get underway in January and will feature four rounds across some of New Zealand’s most demanding and iconic circuits.