Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship: Rd.3

Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship: Rd.3

Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship: Rd.3

​Heuzenroeder impresses again with two podiums in rain soaked Round 3 of the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship
Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon, New Zealand
27th January 2025

Young Australian racing driver Patrick Heuzenroeder delivered another demonstration of his racing talent in Round 3 of CTFROC at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon delivering two podiums and some stunning overtakes amid challenging conditions. A pivotal weekend in his Oceanic campaign, and now with nearly 30 on track passes under his belt this season (in a car known for its difficulty in passing) the Australian is one to watch as they head to the South Island for Round 4 at Teretonga Park, Invercargill on 30 January.

After being in the top 5 across official practice on Friday, Heuzenroeder was slightly disappointed with a P6 in Qualifying 1, but in a field that saw the top 14 covered by 0.443 of a second, it demonstrates just how competitive the field is.

In Race 1, Heuzenroeder again demonstrated what a great starter he is, moving quickly to P4, and enjoying some great racing with fellow Aussie and Formula 3 driver, Tommy Smith, over the next lap (motorsport.tv), ultimately finishing on track in P4. This was later promoted to P3 after a penalty for team mate Pierson, marking Heuzenroeder’s first podium of the season.

Sunday morning was another qualifying chance for Heuzenroeder, this time in very wet conditions. With none of the drivers having experienced wet weather yet this season, he again he showed his capabilities achieving his best qualifying result so far – P4.

The top 8 reverse grid Race 2 provided interesting weather conditions, leaving the teams to make a gamble on the correct tyre choice. Heuzenroeder, one of only a few drivers to take the chance on slicks started P6, but rapidly dropped back to 14th after getting pushed wide when overtaking. The gamble then seemed to be paying off as the track dried and he had recovered to P11 with consistent fast laps before a safety car intervention and more rain. A smart tactical decision saw Heuzenroeder make a pit stop to change to wet tyres, with huge credit to the team for the speedy stop, leaving him at the tail of the remaining field in P15 for the restart. On the restart he showed his immense talent, moving up the field from P15 to P8 in a matter of 3 laps, then making up over a second to catch Tommy Smith, only finishing behind him by in P8 by a mere 0.2 of a second. After a penalty for a car further up the field this was promoted to P7.

Sunday afternoon Heuzenroeder lined up P4 for the Dan Higgins Trophy race. Pouring rain and a saturated track saw a safety car start with the race red flagged 5 laps in due to the worsening conditions without going green. With clearing conditions another start behind the safety car finally saw a green flag, but another safety car again delayed proceedings. After the restart which saw the top 4 quickly gap the rest of the field, Heuzenroeder deftly passed Manson for P3 on lap 14 holding that position comfortably for the remainder of the race, but with an aggressive wet set up on a now drying track without the pace to chase down the leading two. A long-awaited and well-deserved 3rd place podium saw him enjoy his second piece of silverware for the weekend.

For an ever-improving Patrick Heuzenroeder, still recovering points-wise from the disappointing mechanical issue in qualifying in Round 1 which saw him placed 8th after that weekend, the weekend at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon has again improved his position in the championship, now only two points off 4th place overall, showing what a consistent and adaptable driver the young Australian is.

Heuzenroeder said: “Its obviously great to be on the podium this weekend and with two third places I feel like I’m really in the hunt now. It was a great track and I love to race in the rain, the car felt good and I was really happy with my racing, particularly the recovery drive in Race 2 to make up 7 spots that quickly. Everyone says Teretonga is a real drivers’ track so I can’t wait to get down there.”

About Patrick Heuzenroeder
Patrick embarked on his motorsport career at 13-years-old after a chance visit to Sydney’s Eastern Creek go-kart circuit ignited his passion for racing.

After kart racing in Australia for the following three years, Patrick made the jump to cars and circuit racing, competing in the 2022 NSW Formula Ford Championship where he was third overall in the standings before departing for the UK after his skill was recognised by Ferrari when Patrick earned a top six finals place from 24 competitors in the 2022 Ferrari Driver Academy Asia Pacific trials.

2023 brought a season in British Formula 4 where the highlight of multiple top ten finishes in a competitive field of more than 20 drivers was an impressive third place at the demanding Snetterton track in Norfolk. For 2024 he moved up a gear and into GB3, Britain’s top single seater series, where he once again established himself as a regular points scorer and top five finisher. Another podium finish in third at the annual ‘away’ round at the Zandvoort Grand Prix circuit helped him to an impressive 12th overall from more than 30 drivers.

5 + 14 =

Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship: Rd.2

Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship: Rd.2

Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship: Rd.2

Heuzenroeder delivers again in Round 2 of CTFROC Championship
Hampton Downs Motorsport Park
19th January 2025

Australian Patrick Heuzenroeder once again delivered an impressive display of overtakes and race craft this past weekend at the CTFROC Championship held at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park. With some lengthy battles in what has been recognised as one of the most highly competitive fields for years, Heuzenroeder showcased why he is a name to watch in single seater racing.

Strong practice, consistently showing top 5 pace was a strong start to Round 2 for Patrick, ending Friday’s official practice sessions P3. Although, qualifying on Saturday morning didn’t quite reflect his pace with a P6 result, he used his on track pace to finish P5 in Race 1, the start of yet another weekend of overtakes, as the racing again demonstrated the difficulty in overtaking in these cars.

After qualifying on Sunday morning in P9 for the feature race later that afternoon in car he couldn’t quite get to work for him, Heuzenroeder started Race 2 in P4. After another strong start, something he is showing as a real strength this series, he passed around the outside to place himself P3. A long battle with Red Bull Junior Formula 2 Driver, Arvid Lindblad, saw great defending by Pat, including some classic wheel to wheel racing (https://lnkd.in/gk5Gy9Sd) until the experienced Lindblad squeezed up the inside the next lap. More great driving by Pat held o Supercar Champion Will Brown over multiple laps to hold onto P4. A shame not to be recognised with a podium but none the less, great pace and points to add to his collection.

The feature race saw yet another strong start with Heuzenroeder moving up to 7th from 9th, then cool, under pressure driving enabled him to be well placed to take advantage of a mistake by supercars champion Will Brown with a resulting P6.

Patrick:
“Another good weekend of racing where I was able to show I can race with guys who have had a lot more racing experience than me. I was disappointed in my qualifying pace as it leaves me with a lot of work to do in each race, but the pace is there and the consistent results and places gained in Race 3 keep me in the hunt. Manfeild will be a track where I hope I will have some strengths, so I am looking forward to it. I’m loving the racing and loving New Zealand!”

Pat takes the challenges of this weekend into Round 3 at Manfeild next weekend and will be looking to capitalize on the hard work in the o season for the last 3 rounds of CTFROC before his main European campaign begins.

About Patrick Heuzenroeder
Patrick embarked on his motorsport career at 13-years-old after a chance visit to Sydney’s Eastern Creek go-kart circuit ignited his passion for racing.

After kart racing in Australia for the following three years, Patrick made the jump to cars and circuit racing, competing in the 2022 NSW Formula Ford Championship where he was third overall in the standings before departing for the UK after his skill was recognised by Ferrari when Patrick earned a top six finals place from 24 competitors in the 2022 Ferrari Driver Academy Asia Pacific trials.

2023 brought a season in British Formula 4 where the highlight of multiple top ten finishes in a competitive field of more than 20 drivers was an impressive third place at the demanding Snetterton track in Norfolk. For 2024 he moved up a gear and into GB3, Britain’s top single seater series, where he once again established himself as a regular points scorer and top five finisher. Another podium finish in third at the annual ‘away’ round at the Zandvoort Grand Prix circuit helped him to an impressive 12th overall from more than 30 drivers.

10 + 15 =

Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship: Rd.1

Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship: Rd.1

Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship: Rd.1

Heuzenroeder charges through the field as he battles Supercar Champion in First Round of Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship
Taupo International Motorsport Park
13th January 2025

Australian single-seater racing driver Patrick Heuzenroeder has shown off his race craft and made an impressive start to his 2025 racing season as he was forced to charge through the field in the first round of the CTFROC Championship this past weekend with mtec Motorsport. The first championship of the year, the FIA recognised series takes part over 5 weekends in New Zealand, with a competitive field of young rising stars, past alumni including F1 drivers Lando Norris, Lance Stroll, Liam Lawson and Franco Colapinto. Heuzenroeder is supported at the Championship by his mentor, ex Formula 1 driver and 3x Le Mans Winner, David Brabham.

The young talent Heuzenroeder showcased his determination and skill in the championship’s first qualifying after a mechanical issue left him in the pits for 12 of the 15 minutes of qualifying. With only a few minutes remaining on the clock and no time to properly prepare the tyres, Heuzenroeder impressed by jumping from P17 to P6 only 0.2 behind pole, locking out the third row of the grid next to FIA Formula 3 driver, Matias Zagazeta.

“An awful lot of time unfortunately lost with mtec for Patrick Heuzenroeder, he got one lap, one shot at that, and he got that car to 6th. Great work ultimately by the team but particularly Pat, with David Brabham on the radio with him to stay calm, dig deep and get a lap, nice work” was the commentary.

Competing against an incredibly competitive field of drivers, including 2024 Supercar Champion, Will Brown, Heuzenroeder fought his way back in Race 1 after being tapped into turn one of the opening lap taking him down to 15th. Hardest charger of the race, the Australian demonstrated strong race craft as he completed 6 overtakes crossing the line P9, missing out on the chance to start the reverse pole Race 2 from pole position by 0.3 seconds after a last lap attempt to pass teammate, Indy NXT driver, Pierson.

Starting Race 2 from P9, Heuzenroeder was consistently fast, putting the pressure on team mate Scoular after dropping to P10 in turn 1 to make a great pass, then quickly setting off after Brown and affecting a smooth pass into the final chicane, finishing in 8th.

Despite being on a poll worthy lap in qualifying 2, a lock up on the final corner meant he Heuzenroeder set himself more work to do in Race 3, again starting P9. Late Sunday afternoon, the feature race for the Denny Hulme Trophy, saw Patrick have a stellar start, going from 9th to 6th after the first corner, soon progressing to 4th after Brown and Shin had a scary moment when they touched down the straight at 200kmh+. Setting fastest laps, Heuzenroeder held off a charging Will Brown, defending for multiple laps with some impressive side by side racing on fading tyres. Heuzenroeder crossed the line in 5th, but was promoted to P4 after a penalty for Brown.

Despite the challenges faced and not where he wanted to be based on strong practice results, Heuzenroeder grabbed the attention of many, in a series and car known for being difficult to overtake, showing his consistency, strong race craft and potential in such a competitive field with the likes of Formula 2 Red Bull Junior Driver Arvid Lindblad. Patrick has certainly proved himself as a driver to watch throughout the season.

Looking ahead to build on his momentum, Patrick says:
“I was obviously disappointed with the issue in quali 1 as it really set me back for the first two races and impacted me on points, but I was really happy with my pace and race craft, its not every day you get to dice with a Supercars Champion two races in a row and cause him some headaches.”

Brabham was also pleased with the pace and attitude of his young protégé:
“There is no doubt Patrick had the pace this weekend and whilst the qualification 1 mechanical issue was a setback, it gave him the opportunity to showcase what he is capable of with that impressive single qualification lap under pressure and the way he raced showing he has what it takes for the racing to come”
After an unlucky round 1, Heuzenroeder sits in 8th position in the championship, where he will hope to significantly improve that in the next 4 rounds, gaining valuable track experience before his main European 2025 campaign.

Next up is Hampton Downs for the second round of the championship, with testing commencing on the 16th January, another new track for Heuzenroeder.

About Patrick Heuzenroeder
Patrick embarked on his motorsport career at 13-years-old after a chance visit to Sydney’s Eastern Creek go-kart circuit ignited his passion for racing.

After kart racing in Australia for the following three years, Patrick made the jump to cars and circuit racing, competing in the 2022 NSW Formula Ford Championship where he was third overall in the standings before departing for the UK after his skill was recognised by Ferrari when Patrick earned a top six finals place from 24 competitors in the 2022 Ferrari Driver Academy Asia Pacific trials.

2023 brought a season in British Formula 4 where the highlight of multiple top ten finishes in a competitive field of more than 20 drivers was an impressive third place at the demanding Snetterton track in Norfolk. For 2024 he moved up a gear and into GB3, Britain’s top single seater series, where he once again established himself as a regular points scorer and top five finisher. Another podium finish in third at the annual ‘away’ round at the Zandvoort Grand Prix circuit helped him to an impressive 12th overall from more than 30 drivers.

10 + 15 =

Heuzenroeder ready for Formula Regional debut in New Zealand

Heuzenroeder ready for Formula Regional debut in New Zealand

Heuzenroeder ready for Formula Regional debut in New Zealand

​6th December 2024

Australian formula driver Patrick Heuzenroeder will make his Formula Regional debut when he takes part in the 2025 Castrol FR Oceania Championship beginning in January.

It will also be the first time the former Formula Ford, British Formula 4 and GB3 Championship driver has competed on New Zealand’s challenging and unforgiving tracks. Patrick embarked on his motorsport career at 13-years-old after a chance visit to Sydney’s Eastern Creek go-kart circuit ignited his passion for racing.

After kart racing in Australia for the following three years, Patrick made the jump to cars and circuit racing, competing in the 2022 NSW Formula Ford Championship where he was third overall in the standings before departing for the UK after his skill was recognised by Ferrari when Patrick earned a top six finals place from 24 competitors in the 2022 Ferrari Driver Academy Asia Pacific trials.

2023 brought a season in British Formula 4 where the highlight of multiple top ten finishes in a competitive field of more than 20 drivers was an impressive third place at the demanding Snetterton track in Norfolk.

For 2024 he moved up a gear and into GB3, Britain’s top single seater series, where he once again established himself as a regular points scorer and top five finisher. Another podium finish in third at the annual ‘away’ round at the Zandvoort Grand Prix circuit helped him to an impressive 12th overall from more than 30 drivers.

The Sydney driver will join MTEC for his first ever campaign across the Tasman and will be overseen by team principal and fellow countryman Bruin Beasley. He will also have the benefit of the support of another Australian legendary driver with Patrick’s mentor, ex-F1 and 3x Le Mans 24 Hour winner, David Brabham, to be present at a number of the rounds.

He’s relishing the challenge of taking on some of the best young drivers in the world in a championship that has produced multiple F1, Indycar, Formula E and WEC drivers.

“I’m really looking forward to racing over the summer throughout New Zealand in the Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship with the experienced MTEC team.
Coming off the back of my maiden GB3 season in the UK with a strong performance in a competitive field I am excited to drive a new car, race on new tracks and put myself up against some of the best drivers in the world.

“With five race weekends back-to-back, it will be a great challenge and fantastic opportunity to prepare for my 2025 campaign in Europe.”

Beasley is also looking forward to seeing how well his young charge goes in the five round championship, which includes the iconic New Zealand Grand Prix as its final weekend.

“Having fellow Aussie Patrick as part of our 2025 CTFROC team is fantastic, his pace is well documented and with some high level people in his corner the expectations are high,” he explained.

“We are really looking forward to working with him, it’s been exciting to see his progression over the last few years, and I’m sure he will be very competitive come January.”

2025 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship
Round 01: 10 – 12 January 2025, Taupo International Motorsport Park
Round 02: 17 – 19 January 2025, Hampton Downs International Motorsport Park
Round 03: 24 – 26 January 2025, Manfeild, Circuit Chris Amon
Round 04: 31 January – 2 February 2025, Teretonga Park, Invercargill
Round 05: 7 – 9 February 2025, Highlands Motorsport Park, 69th New Zealand Grand Prix

13 + 3 =

Heuzenroeder ends rookie GB3 campaign on a high with a sixth-place finish

Heuzenroeder ends rookie GB3 campaign on a high with a sixth-place finish

Heuzenroeder ends rookie GB3 campaign on a high with a sixth-place finish

30th September 2024

Patrick Heuzenroeder concluded the GB3 Championship season with a sixth-place finish, drawing 2024 to a close in style with a result representative of his pace and the progress he has made across his rookie campaign.

The Australian driver was on the front foot from the beginning of the season finale at Brands Hatch. He finished third in the combined classifications from three 40-minute test sessions at the 3.916 km (2.433 miles) Grand Prix circuit on Wednesday, which signalled a continuation of his uptick in performance that was first exhibited in Continental Europe.

A pause in proceedings on Thursday allowed teams to debrief an important day of running before, on Friday,  Heuzenroeder completed 54 laps of the shorter Brands Hatch Indy circuit.

A 20-minute practice session on Saturday morning, which featured difficult damp conditions, then allowed the 20-car GB3 field to find their groove on the Grand Prix layout once more.

Heuzenroeder went on to execute a strong qualifying session later in the day which placed him seventh on the grid for Race 1 and eighth for Race 2. He was a mere 0.3 seconds shy of pole position, putting him in the midst of the top 10 where he had his sights set heading into the weekend.

The extreme camber of the main straight at Brands Hatch made getting off the line quickly a fine art all weekend, but Heuzenroeder got Race 1 underway with a good launch as the sun shone overhead on Saturday afternoon. The 18-year-old went into the challenging Paddock Hill Bend and Druids hairpin side-by-side with another car, however, he ended up off the track on the exit of Graham Hill Bend and tumbled down the order. He was subsequently involved in a collision on lap two, which the stewards deemed to be a racing incident, and dropped to 17th position, where he took the chequered flag.

Heuzenroeder kicked off the action on the final day of the GB3 season with a signature lightning start. Starting from eighth, he challenged for seventh off the line but was boxed in as he swept through turn one, halting any potential progress. He settled down in eighth place through the following corners but ran slightly wide at the punishing Sheene Curve as he approached the end of lap one, falling to 11th as a result. Heuzenroeder pulled away from the car behind him after a brief safety car period and crossed the line comfortably in the same spot, claiming another solid points-scoring result.

The JHR Developments driver started Race 3, which had its starting lineup dictated by the results of qualifying with the top 12 reversed, in sixth. He kept his nose clean on a chaotic lap one and gained a position before the safety car was called into action to neutralise the race. Heuzenroeder dropped back to sixth as the green flag flew and he remained there until the end of the race, coming home to bag a healthy haul of points to conclude the 2024 season on a high.

The Racing Kelpie’ finished his rookie campaign in GB3 12th in the championship standings and helped JHR Developments claim fourth in the team’s championship.

Patrick Heuzenroeder said:

“It feels good to have ended the GB3 Championship season on a high with a sixth-place finish here at Brands Hatch.

“We had the pace all weekend, which we showed in testing and qualifying, but it was difficult to make much progress with overtaking opportunities being so rare. A couple of unfortunate incidents hurt us overall but I’m happy to come away with two solid results and claim 12th in the championship standings.

“All in all, it has been a positive year in GB3. There have been both highs and lows, but, most importantly, I have learned a lot and will be taking that knowledge into whatever I am racing next year.”

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