Patrick Heuzenroeder takes first victory as Arvid Lindblad seals Toyota FR Oceania title
The Australian was rewarded after being the picture of consistency so far this season.
Patrick Heuzenroeder made the most of a perfect start to take victory in the Toyota Formula Regional Oceania weekend opener at Highlands Motorsport Park.
The Aussie made the most of his pole position start, clearing championship rival Arvid Lindblad by more than three seconds to take the chequered flag.
Second place was more than enough for the British driver to take out the series title after his dominant performance this year.
Heuzenroeder, who recently announced that he will contest the GB3 series later in 2025, has been an unheralded picture of consistency so far this year, picking up the pieces with consistent top ten finishes and multiple fourth positions.
"It’s been a long time coming,” said Heuzenroeder.
"I think looking back I could have won that first race of the season and since then we’ve just been working hard to try and get faster and move more towards the front and get to the top step."
"I knew from qualifying this morning I had the pace.
"It’s my first time around here and I love exploring new tracks. I like the track, it’s a very good track and it’s lots of fun and it obviously suits my style.”
It was a frantic start with three-wide approaching turn one after a cautious getaway from Supercars driver Broc Feeney.
It was a tug-of-war between championship leader Lindblad and Heuzenroeder at the front, but the Australian was able to edge out a gap before the Red Bull Junior's pace dropped off around lap 11.
With his title on the line, Lindblad suddenly slowed again on the penultimate lap, almost falling into the clutches of Michael Shin and Will Brown. The 17-year-old British driver was able to recover and finished second, clinching the 2025 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania title.
"I’m definitely relieved,” said the new champion.
"I knew after Teretonga I was in a very good position and effectively had one hand on the trophy, so it was more about finishing the races here and I’m very glad to have it wrapped up today."
"I’m looking forward to tomorrow and having some fun."
Shin held on for the final podium position, while Brown was left with a damaged front wing and fell to 11th.
Broc Feeney was 10th on his debut and will start the 69th New Zealand Grand Prix from pole position tomorrow.
