What Is 2015 New Zealand Grand Prix

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2015 New Zealand Grand Prix was held on February 8, 2015, at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon in Feilding, won by Australian driver Matt Campbell driving for the M2 Competition team in a Dallara F312 chassis with a 2.0L engine.

Key Facts

The 2015 New Zealand Grand Prix took place on February 8, 2015
It was held at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon in Feilding, New Zealand
Matt Campbell from Australia won the race driving for M2 Competition
The race featured the Dallara F312 chassis with a 2.0L engine specification
This event was part of the 2015 Toyota Racing Series

Overview

The 2015 New Zealand Grand Prix was a significant open-wheel motorsport event held on February 8, 2015, at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon in Feilding, a small town in the Manawatū-Whanganui region. As the final round of the 2015 Toyota Racing Series, it attracted top international junior drivers competing for prestige and career advancement.

Unlike Formula 1 events, the New Zealand Grand Prix is a historic national race dating back to 1950, traditionally serving as a proving ground for emerging talent. The 2015 edition featured high-speed action, close racing, and challenging weather conditions that tested driver skill and team strategy.

Event Date: The race occurred on February 8, 2015, marking the climax of the five-round Toyota Racing Series season.
Circuit: Held at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon, a 3.4-kilometer (2.1-mile) track named after the legendary New Zealand F1 driver.
Winner:Matt Campbell, an Australian driver, claimed victory driving for the M2 Competition team.
Chassis and Engine: All competitors used the Dallara F312 chassis powered by a 2.0L turbocharged engine, standard across the Toyota Racing Series.
Significance: The Grand Prix has long served as a stepping stone for drivers aiming for higher categories like Formula 1, IndyCar, or Super Formula.

How It Works

The New Zealand Grand Prix is structured as the marquee event of the Toyota Racing Series, a winter development series for young drivers. Each round consists of multiple races, with the Grand Prix being the longest and most prestigious.

Format:Races span 60 kilometers, approximately 20 laps at Manfeild, with standing starts and mandatory pit stops under certain conditions.
Driver Eligibility:Most competitors are aged 16–25, selected through talent programs or regional championships, aiming to gain international exposure.
Car Specifications: All drivers use identical Dallara F312 chassis with 2.0L engines to ensure competition is based on skill rather than technology.
Points System:Drivers earn points for each race, with the Grand Prix awarding double points, increasing its strategic importance.
Weather Challenges: February in New Zealand often brings unpredictable weather, requiring adaptability to wet-dry track conditions.
Series Structure: The Toyota Racing Series includes five rounds across New Zealand, with the Grand Prix serving as the final and most prestigious round.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key aspects of the 2015 New Zealand Grand Prix with other major junior open-wheel races of the era.

Event	Location	Chassis	Engine	Winner (2015)
New Zealand Grand Prix	Manfeild, NZ	Dallara F312	2.0L Turbo	Matt Campbell
Macau Grand Prix	Macau	Dallara F312	2.0L Turbo	António Félix da Costa
British F3 Championship	UK	Dallara F312	2.0L Turbo	Jack Aitken
Formula Regional Oceania	New Zealand	Dallara F312	2.0L Turbo	Multiple rounds
Italian F4 Championship	Italy	Tatuus F4-T421	1.4L Turbo	Andrea Rosso

While the 2015 New Zealand Grand Prix used the same chassis as other international F3-level events, its unique place in the Southern Hemisphere calendar allows European drivers to gain off-season experience. The race’s format and technical parity make it a true test of driver ability, similar to Macau but with less street-circuit risk.

Why It Matters

The 2015 New Zealand Grand Prix played a crucial role in shaping the careers of future motorsport stars and maintaining New Zealand’s legacy in open-wheel racing. Its inclusion in the Toyota Racing Series ensures continued relevance and global participation.

Career Launchpad:Winning the Grand Prix has historically boosted drivers’ profiles, leading to opportunities in Formula 1 or IndyCar.
International Exposure: The series attracts talent from Australia, Europe, and Asia, fostering global competition and scouting.
Technical Development: Drivers gain experience with aerodynamic downforce and slick tires on mixed-condition tracks.
Historic Prestige: First run in 1950, the event has featured legends like Jim Clark and Jackie Stewart in past decades.
Cost-Effective Racing: Compared to European series, the Toyota Racing Series offers lower logistical costs for winter competition.
Pathway to F1: Many alumni, including Lando Norris and Lance Stroll, have used this series as a springboard to top-tier motorsport.

The 2015 edition, won by Matt Campbell, reinforced the event’s reputation as a competitive, high-stakes race that blends tradition with modern racing standards, ensuring its continued importance in the global motorsport calendar.