Kiwi Toyota Racing Series graduates score Australian F4 drives

The Castrol Toyota Racing Series gained plenty of following earlier this year, following one of the most explosive and controversial rivalries and title-deciders in its 15-year history — Liam Lawson defeating Marcus Armstrong in the race for the New Zealand Grand Prix and the 2019 title outright.

But while significant focus is on the imminent European programmes of both drivers, other graduates of the open-wheel racing series are set to step up onto the international stage. The latest of these being Taylor Cockerton and Ryan Yardley. 

It's been announced today that the two Kiwis will race at round one of the CAMS PAYCE Australian Formula 4 Championship at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne next weekend. The pair will race with MTEC Motorsport, who cross the Tasman make their debut in the series after becoming an established player in the TRS paddock. 

“With the recent success of Liam Lawson overseas, we’re also excited to welcome a new batch of New Zealanders to take on the quickest Australian youngsters in Formula 4,” said CAMS General Manager of Motor Sport Michael Smith.

“The Australian Grand Prix is the prime location for drivers from Australia and New Zealand to impress in front of a local and global audience.”

While Cockerton and Yardley are both young, they also both have experience racing internationally. Cockerton claimed the 2017 Formula Masters Asia Series title, and more recently made numerous appearances racing an LMP3-spec sports car in the China Endurance Series. Yardley meanwhile has raced in Australia's Toyota 86 Series — although his miles at Albert Park will be his first competitively in 12 months. 

The pairing, from Pukekohe (Cockerton) and Auckland (Yardley) respectively, will ironically be the first Kiwis to race in Australian F4 since Lawson in 2017. 

“After recently completing the 2019 Castrol Toyota Racing Series, we’re excited to bring our wealth of experience to Australian Formula 4,” said MTEC team owner Bruin Beasley. 

“There’s no doubt the Australian Grand Prix is a must-do event for any young driver, and we’re looking forward to providing that opportunity to Ryan Yardley and Taylor Cockerton.”