What Is 2019 New Zealand Grand Prix

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 New Zealand Grand Prix was held on February 10, 2019, at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon near Feilding, won by Brazilian driver Igor Fraga driving for M2 Competition in a Toyota-powered Formula Regional car.

Key Facts

The 2019 New Zealand Grand Prix took place on February 10, 2019.
It was held at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon near Feilding, New Zealand.
Igor Fraga of Brazil won the race, representing M2 Competition.
The event was part of the 2018–19 Formula Regional Oceania Championship.
Fraga became the first Esports driver to win a real-world FIA-sanctioned race.

Overview

The 2019 New Zealand Grand Prix marked a historic milestone in motorsport, serving as Round 4 of the 2018–19 Toyota Racing Series. Held on February 10, 2019, the race took place at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon, a 2.21-kilometer track located near Feilding in the Manawatū-Whanganui region. This prestigious event attracted top young drivers from around the world competing in the Formula Regional Oceania Championship, a series designed to develop future Formula 1 talent.

One of the most notable aspects of the 2019 race was the victory of Brazilian driver Igor Fraga, who made history by becoming the first professional Esports racer to win a real-world FIA-sanctioned event. His win underscored the growing crossover between virtual and physical racing, highlighting advancements in simulation training. The Grand Prix has long been a cornerstone of New Zealand motorsport, dating back to 1950, and continues to be a proving ground for emerging drivers.

February 10, 2019: The race was held on this date, concluding the fourth round of the Toyota Racing Series season.
Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon: This 2.21-kilometer track hosted the event, known for its technical layout and elevation changes.
Igor Fraga: A Brazilian driver who started fifth on the grid and executed a flawless race to take victory.
Formula Regional Oceania Championship: The race was part of this FIA-sanctioned series, formerly known as Toyota Racing Series.
Esports crossover: Fraga’s win marked the first time an Esports champion won a real-world FIA race, blending digital and physical motorsport.

How It Works

The New Zealand Grand Prix operates as a single-race event within the broader Toyota Racing Series, featuring high-powered single-seater race cars based on FIA Formula Regional regulations. Each round includes practice, qualifying, and three races, with the Grand Prix being the final and most prestigious race of the season.

Formula Regional Cars:Each car uses a 2.0L Toyota engine producing 160 horsepower and weighs 555 kg, meeting FIA safety standards.
Driver Eligibility:Participants are typically young drivers aged 16–25, many aiming for careers in Formula 1 or IndyCar.
Points System:Race points are awarded from 1st (25 pts) to 10th (1 pt), with additional points for pole position and fastest lap.
Event Format:The weekend includes two 15-minute practice sessions, a 20-minute qualifying session, and three 25-minute races.
Championship Integration:The Grand Prix counts as the final round of the Toyota Racing Series championship standings.
Safety Protocols:Race control uses FIA-standard safety cars, virtual safety cars, and medical response teams on standby.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2019 New Zealand Grand Prix can be better understood by comparing it to previous editions and similar events globally.

Feature	2019 Grand Prix	2018 Grand Prix	Formula 4 UAE	Formula Regional Europe
Winner	Igor Fraga (Brazil)	Robert Shwartzman (Russia)	Enaam Ahmed	Frederik Vesti
Location	Manfeild, NZ	Manfeild, NZ	Dubai Autodrome	Various European tracks
Date	February 10, 2019	February 11, 2018	January 2019	April–October 2019
Car Specification	Formula Regional	Toyota FT-60	F4 Tatuus	Tatuus T-318
Notable Achievement	First Esports-to-real win	Shwartzman’s title win	Winter series for F3 prep	Direct F3 feeder

This comparison shows how the 2019 New Zealand Grand Prix stood out due to Igor Fraga’s groundbreaking victory. While other series like Formula 4 UAE and Formula Regional Europe serve similar developmental roles, the New Zealand event is unique for its condensed summer schedule and international driver participation. The use of identical cars emphasizes driver skill, making it a true talent showcase.

Why It Matters

The 2019 New Zealand Grand Prix had significant implications for motorsport, particularly in validating simulation training and Esports as legitimate pathways to professional racing. Its outcome challenged traditional notions of how drivers are developed and recognized, opening doors for digital competitors.

Esports Recognition:Fraga’s win legitimized Esports as a credible training and recruitment tool for real-world racing teams.
Talent Pipeline:The race continues to feed drivers into Formula 2, Formula 3, and Indy NXT series.
Global Participation:Drivers from 15+ countries competed, highlighting the event’s international appeal.
Technological Integration:Teams use data analytics and simulators extensively, bridging virtual and physical performance.
Media Exposure:The event was streamed globally, increasing visibility for emerging motorsport nations.
Historic Legacy:Since 1950, the Grand Prix has featured future stars like Bruce McLaren and Scott Dixon.

The 2019 edition will be remembered not just for its competitive racing, but for symbolizing a new era in motorsport where digital and physical realms converge to shape the future of the sport.