Eyeing up single-seater future

It was a big step up from Formula Ford to the 2023 Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship for Bree Morris.

The speed of the bigger Tatuus FT-60 car, its braking capability, aerodynamic performance and the different characteristics of the Kiwi-developed turbo engine were all a major learning curve for the Aucklander.

She entered the series with one goal in mind and that was to become a better racer. So, with the series done and dusted, what does the coming year hold?

Morris is going to focus on testing in “wings and slicks”, that’s to say open-wheelers like the TRS cars, and maybe a couple of rounds in the Formula Open NZ series. She would also like to compete in the Toyota Formula Regional Oceania again next year.

The possibility of racing in the US had been mentioned, but timeframes to secure sponsorship weren’t feasible.

Morris won the 2021/22 North Island Formula Ford Championship and her on-track speed has secured her support from the Tony Quinn Foundation.

That organisation was set up in 2021 by businessman Tony Quinn, who owns the motorsport parks at Hampton Downs, Highlands and Taupo.

Its goal is to support young Kiwis with talent and determination to make it on the world stage and boasts a wealth of well-connected industry players, who have joined Quinn as trustees.

From backing grassroots racers through to grants for elite drivers competing internationally, the foundation says it offers “support unprecedented in New Zealand motorsport”.

Morris’ first race in an FT-60 with Giles Motorsport, which is run by former Formula 1 chief engineer Stephen Giles, was at Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell at the opening round of the Toyota championship.

The level of competition was daunting, says Morris, who started off racing karts when she was aged nine. “It was definitely an eyeopener when I first jumped in the car at Highlands.

“My main goal was just to make

Bree Morris say she will only measure her performance as a racer, leaving others to consider gender

Sprint Challenge Australia racer Tom McLennan and British F4 runner Adam Fitzgerald.

Although she was one of two women in the field, Morris is adamant she will only measure her performance as a racer, leaving others to consider gender.

If a drive became available in motor racing that focused on females, though, Morris says she would be keen.

The international W Series for women uses cars of similar specifications to help females get into the top tier of the sport, something which Morris feels she has already accomplished.

“I think what the W Series is doing is a really great way to introduce women into motorsport, but I feel like I’m already introduced in a way,” explains the 19-year-old.

“It’s great what they’re doing and if I had the opportunity then yes, I would do that, but I also want to keep my options open.” sure that every time I went out in every round I improved and didn’t go backwards, which I did.”

With the likes of Jamie Chadwick and Tatiana Calderon now making it big on the world stage, Morris has plenty of women to aspire to but says she is setting her own course.

UK racer Chadwick drives for Andretti Autosport in Indy NXT. She won the inaugural W Series season in 2019 before retaining her title in 2021 and 2022.

At following rounds, Morris was battling for position with Formula 4 United States Championship driver Lucas Fecury, Porsche Michelin

Chadwick currently holds the records for the most wins, podiums, pole positions and points in the W Series.

Calderon is one of a number of female drivers who have risen through the Toyota Racing Series, which evolved into the Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship this year.

Morris is happy with her progress throughout the Formula Regional campaign.

“I think I’ve developed many more mental skills and how to maintain a good consistent race weekend. I have learned so many technical things about the car. I’ve learnt how top-tier racing works.”