Bathurst 12 Hour organisers have confirmed the date and broadcast partner for their 2016 event.
Seven will once again broadcast the race next year, which has been locked in for February 5-7.
The free-to-air station took up the rights for the first time in 2015, broadcasting the full race across its Seven and 7mate channels.
While yet to confirm details, including whether it will again show all 12 hours, Seven’s recommitment to the event comes after strong ratings this year.
“This is a great event,” said Seven head of sport Saul Shtein in a statement.
“Bathurst is a special place and we loved being a part of this year’s 12 Hour. Our audiences loved the race and we’re looking forward to being the broadcast partner in 2016.”
Event director James O’Brien believes that continuing with a stable date and broadcast partner will help the race’s continued growth.
“The Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour has established itself as the ‘starter’ of the Australian motor racing year, and we are happy to continue that trend in 2016,” he said.
“The anticipation of people attending the event, or watching on TV, builds over the Christmas and New Year period then explodes during the first week in February.
“The opportunity to continue our relationship with the Seven Network will ensure that the race remains free-to-view to our Australian TV audience.
“The Network was enthusiastic about the broadcast this year and we are looking forward to partnering with Seven to grow the Event.
“While details are yet to be finalised, we can confirm the race will again be streamed live to a domestic and international audience.
“Building the international component of the event – be it through international competitors or people watching from other countries – is a key component of our plan to grow the event.”
V8 Supercars is yet to confirm the date for its 2016 pre-season test after the Sydney Motorsport Park hit-out famously clashed with the Bathurst 12 Hour this year.
CEO James Warburton recently hinted, however, that the test will likely return to its traditional mid-February slot.
