Heuzenroeder Takes Centre Stage at Taupo Motorsport Park

Australian racer Patrick Heuzenroeder has kicked off his 2025 season with a remarkable performance in the inaugural round of the 2025 Castrol Toyota FR Oceania Championship.

This FIA-recognised series, which unfolds over five weekends throughout New Zealand, has established itself as a significant stepping stone for emerging stars. Notable past participants include Formula 1 drivers such as Lando Norris, Lance Stroll, Liam Lawson, and Franco Colapinto.

With the guidance of his mentor, three-time Le Mans winner and former F1 driver David Brabham, Heuzenroeder quickly made a name for himself in the series, rising to the challenge even when faced with adversity.

Beginning his motorsport journey at the age of 13, Heuzenroeder has accumulated an impressive racing profile in a brief span. He transitioned from karting to circuit racing after three years, quickly gaining international recognition by competing in the 2023 British Formula 4 season, followed by the 2024 GB3 season.

Driving for MTEC Motorsport, the young driver confronted difficulties due to a mechanical issue during the first qualifying session, which left him in the pits for 12 out of 15 minutes. Nevertheless, Heuzenroeder showcased his skills by making an impressive recovery, climbing from P17 to P6.

The determined competitor consistently demonstrated his resilience throughout the three-race event.

In Race 1, Heuzenroeder was unfortunately spun at Turn 1, forcing him to rally back from 15th position. Remarkably, he executed six overtakes, ultimately finishing in P9.

Race 2 began with Heuzenroeder starting from P9, but he quickly gained positions by overtaking his teammate and applying pressure on 2024 Supercars Champion Will Brown. After executing a brilliant manoeuvre into the final chicane, Heuzenroeder completed the race in eighth place.

Despite experiencing a lock-up during qualifying for Race 3, Heuzenroeder made a fantastic start, advancing from ninth to sixth position on the opening lap and later capitalising on a collision between Brown and Shin to secure fourth place. After a thrilling contest with Brown, he initially crossed the finish line in fifth but was later elevated to P4 following a penalty handed to Brown.

“I was certainly disappointed with the setback in Qualifying 1, as it put me behind for the first two races,” Heuzenroeder admitted.

“However, I was pleased with my pace and racecraft. It’s not every day you get to race against a Supercars Champion back-to-back and give him some headaches.”

Heuzenroeder is currently positioned eighth in the championship and will be looking to enhance his standing in the upcoming four rounds, gathering crucial track experience ahead of his main European campaign in 2025.

The second round of the 2025 CTFROC will take place from January 16-19 at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park.