Photo: Bruce Jenkins / TGR NZ
The New Zealand Grand Prix, which has traditionally ended the Toyota Racing Series season over the last decade, will instead be part of its season-opening round at Hampton Downs next year.
TRS will be holding back-to-back rounds at Hampton Downs to kick off its shortened 2021 season, and the first round has now been revealed to be taking place on the circuit’s longer 3.8km International layout.
Hampton Downs’ 2.7km National layout has only ever been used in the past in TRS since the circuits inception in 2009.
The third and final race of the weekend will be the 66th running of the NZ GP, which has previously been won by Formula 1 world champions Stirling Moss, Jack Brabham, Graham Hill, Keke Rosberg, John Surtees and Jackie Stewart as well as modern day F1 stars such as Lando Norris and Lance Stroll.
Last year Igor Fraga claimed the TRS title by winning the grand prix, becoming the first Brazilian to do so since his mentor Roberto Moreno managed the feat in 1982.
There are plans for grand prix winners and champions of former years to return for this year’s event, with the prospect of international drivers competing resting on a decision by Immigration NZ at the end of this week.
Formula Scout revealed on Tuesday that after the completion of the three-round 2021 TRS season, the series could race in Australia on the F1 support bill in Melbourne and at MotoGP venue Phillip Island.
TRS will also host a ‘Race of Champions’ next year, although there has been no announcement so far about the New Zealand Motor Cup’s presence on the calendar.