V8 Supercars could be forced to move next year’s Symmons Plains Super Sprint event amid a reshuffle of the Formula 1 calendar.
Formula One Management and the FIA are currently finalising changes to the F1 schedule as the parties aim to accommodate a record 21 races.
The Australian Grand Prix had been locked in for a later than usual April 3 date, but could now be brought forward by up to three weeks.
March 20 is being touted as the most likely outcome, which clashes with the V8 Supercars event in Tasmania.
Speedcafe.com understands that preliminary planning has already taken place for V8 Supercars to switch its event to April 3, should the clash occur.
V8 Supercars is committed to running as a support event at the AGP and, unlike its conflict with the Australian MotoGP in October, would not run directly up against the local Formula 1 meeting.
Moving the AGP forward by one week to March 27 has reportedly been favoured by FOM, but has been deemed ‘unacceptable’ by AGPC chief executive Andrew Westacott.
A revised calendar is expected to be finalised by the World Motor Sport Council on Wednesday.
“We’ll conduct the race on whatever date suits the requirements of the global F1 calendar except Easter. Otherwise, we’re open-minded,” Westacott confirmed to Fairfax Media.
The AGPC’s position will be welcomed by organisers of the Bathurst Motor Festival, which runs annually on the Easter weekend.
Bathurst’s Production Sports Car races attract several competitors from the likes of Australian GT and Carrera Cup Australia, both of which are set to run at Albert Park.
Next year’s BMF will see the debut of a 6 hour production touring car race that is also expected to feature drivers that will compete across the various support classes at Albert Park.