Kiwi Louis Sharp wins FR Oceania opener at Hampton Downs
Louis Sharp led Ugo Ugochukwu at Hampton Downs to begin the Toyota FR Oceania Trophy series.
WAIKATO, New Zealand–As the Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy began at Hampton Downs it was Kiwi Louis Sharp who took a determined victory at home.
The mtec Motorsport driver had an impressive jump on polesitter Ugo Ugochukwu at the start to lead out of turn one, holding off the M2 Competition driver for the following 18 laps to claim victory in race one of the 2026 series.
"I got a great start and a great first turn and then it was just about trying to look after the tyres and hold Ugo off as he was very quick," said Sharp.
"The push to pass gives us a bit of strategy in terms of options but it is still hard to pass with the aero wash so I was fully aware how important a good start would be."
The pressure from Ugochukwu came hard and fast from lap 12 as he mounted repeated attempts on the Kiwi ahead before locking up on lap 13, a slip under braking that took the bite out of his attacking efforts.
Kanato Le completed the podium for Hitech TGR after holding off Supercars driver Ryan Wood in the closing laps, who had made the most of the new 'push to pass' feature to make it within touching distance of the podium.
Australian James Wharton was tenth after being unable to pass Red Bull junior Ernesto Rivera despite a spirited battle, while Kalle Rovanperä was P17 for his open wheel debut after an action-packed race at the back of the pack.
The Finn was in the tight-knit group of six cars trailing P11 before a wild ride on the exit of turn one saw him drop to the rear of the field and contact with F4 USA Champion Cooper Shipman then left him with a ten-second penalty.
The field returns later on Saturday at Hampton Downs for race two, with the top eight from race one to be reversed, leaving Yevan David in pole position alongside Zack Scoular.
