Photo: Fotospeedy
The grid for the 2024 Formula Regional Oceania grid continues to grow, with Formula 3 star Christian Mansell the latest to sign up.
Mansell, 18, was third in BRDC British Formula 3 two years ago then stepped up to the F3-level Euroformula series last year and came third in the standings again. He moved across to the FIA F3 Championship for 2023 and was 12th in the points table.
The Australian has already committed himself to a second full season in FIA F3 next year with ART Grand Prix, and has only confirmed his participation in FRegional Oceania with Giles Motorsport for the first two rounds so far.
“I’m super excited to be competing in the FRegional Oceania championship next year,” said Mansell. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to race in this highly competitive series and I’m eager to take some trophies back with me.”
M2 Competition has signed local talent Liam Sceats for a second campaign, after he came fourth in the 2023 season with three podiums. Following that he was runner-up in the FRegional Japanese Championship with three wins and five other podiums.
“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to work with M2 Competition for my second season in FRegional Oceania to kick off 2024,” said the 18-year-old.
“Having the experience of a season and the FRJC under my belt, I feel like I am a much more complete driver. My sights are firmly set on competing for wins and podiums as a championship title contender in the 2024 season right from the opening round at Taupo Motorsport Park.”
Kiwi Motorsport has grown its line-up with two signings: Jett Bowling and Titus Sherlock.
Bowling did four rounds of this year’s United States Formula 4 championship with the team’s US operation Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport, scoring one point to come 30th in the standings.
“A top ten finish in the championship would be fantastic,” he said of his FRegional Oceania objectives. “I’m excited to learn a lot about myself and the car throughout the series. However, I still aim to prove that my lack of experience won’t hold me back from competing with these very talented drivers.”
His team-mate Sherlock won two races in US F4 to be the 2023 championship runner-up. Last year he also raced for Crosslink-Kiwi, coming eighth in USF Juniors with one podium. In 2021 he was runner-up in Lucas Oil School of Racing’s Formula Car Race Series.
“I’m super excited to race in New Zealand,” said the 19-year-old. “It’s going to be a big learning curve, learning a new car and new tracks, but I cant wait for the challenge.
“I’d like to thank Kiwi Motorsport for their continued belief and support. This series is proven to produce top talents in the international scene, and I hope to be the next.”