V8 Supercars’ heavily criticised Super Sprint format remains unchanged following a V8 Supercars Commission meeting at Winton.
The Commission discussed possible alternatives by teleconference on Monday and at Winton yesterday but could not reach agreement on a change.
The format of two 60km Saturday heats and a 200km Sunday remains scheduled to run at Hidden Valley, Queensland Raceway, Sydney Motorsport Park, Pukekohe and Phillip Island.
Teams will however be given an extra set of tyres for use during Friday practice at each of the Super Sprint events and the Castrol Edge Townsville 400.
Supplier Dunlop has altered its production schedule in order to accommodate the request.
“Dunlop have proven to be a great partner by negotiating with their Japanese plant to make it happen,” V8 Supercars Director of Competition Damien White said.
“Not only will this give drivers and teams more valuable set-up time ahead of all Super Sprint events, it provides a sensible form guide for the fans before we hit qualifying on Saturday.”
As was the case last year, teams will have to hand the extra set of tyres back after practice, before adding them to their pre-marked bank for future meetings.
“The Friday hand back philosophy ensures the teams don’t save them for the following day and Friday will absolutely deliver a meaningful outcome,” White added.
“By getting them back after the event they can use them in practice at the following event, along with another new ‘Friday’ set.
“This means over time teams will build a very useful bank of Friday tyres.”
The lack of action over the Saturday race formats comes despite overwhelming support for change from fans.
This week’s Pirtek Poll asking if the format should be changed currently sits with 92 percent voting that the 60km races are too short.