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Silvano Taormina
When Barrie Thomlison launched the Toyota Racing Series back in 2005, the
idea was to provide young drivers from New Zealand with a car that could
prepare them to the step from karting to their future commitments
overseas. A solid alternative to the old‐fashioned Formula Ford that ‐ at the
time ‐ was the only single seater option in New Zealand. After reaching an
agreement with the local branch of Toyota for the engine supply,
Thomlinson just had to find a reliable partner to get a competitive chassis
that could also shape up the drivers. There couldn't have been a different
choice than Tatuus. At that time, the Italian company was already a leader
in developmental car racing. The first car that lined‐up in the Toyota Racing
Series was the FT40, an evolution of the chassis used in Formula Renault 2.0
competition, with the necessary adaptation to the ethanol‐fueled ZZ‐GE 1.8L
engine produced by the Japanese brand. With the passing of years, the
Toyota Racing Series evolved in a championship that could welcome drivers
coming from Europe, Asia and America. People with a basic amount of
experience who were looking for a chance to train themselves over the
winter. According to that strategy, the next step has been the debut of a new
car suitable to highlight the skills of drivers coming from Formula 4,
Formula Renault 2.0 and Formula 3. The goal was pursued with the design
of the FT50, a clear step forward compared to the previous generation. The
latest creation of the Concorezzo‐based complies with the FIA Formula 3
safety standards and has made its debut this season following to an
extensive testing program that involved former champions Nick Cassidy and
Daniel Gaunt in Italy and New Zealand.
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