The Bathurst 12 Hour: What’s New for 2025
In the upcoming Bathurst 12 Hour, there will be a number of changes to the rules and format. These changes have come about as a result of collaboration between Supercars, the SRO, competitors, and Motorsport Australia. The event is set to take place over the January 31-February 2 weekend and will also serve as the Intercontinental GT Challenge opener.
Here are some of the key rule changes for 2025:
New Qualifying Format
For the 2025 race, there will be two formation laps followed by a traditional two-by-two rolling start. The qualifying format has been revised to include Qualifying 1 (comprised of the bottom 50% of cars from practice) and Qualifying 2 (Top 50%), which will determine the final phase of qualifying later in the afternoon. Part 3 of Pirelli Qualifying will feature an all-in, ten-car session dubbed as ‘Pirelli Pole Battle’.
Class Requirements
There have been slight modifications to class requirements in order to align with international races. For instance, Pro-Am will now see either three drivers (1x Platinum / Gold / Silver plus 2 Bronze-ranked drivers) or four drivers (2x Platinum / Gold / Silver, anddBronze).
Driver Times
The rules around driver times have been simplified for more strategic flexibility. Bronze drivers are now permitted to drive for up to120 minutes before swapping.
What are drivers and teams saying about their firsthand experience with the new rules and regulations?
Exciting New Rules Unveiled for Bathurst 12 Hour Race!
The Bathurst 12 Hour Race, held annually at the prestigious Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, Australia, is known for its challenging 12-hour endurance format and attracts top teams and drivers from around the world. The race has always been a crowd favorite and a test of skill, strategy, and endurance for both drivers and their machines.
In an effort to further enhance the excitement and competitiveness of the Bathurst 12 Hour Race, event organizers have recently announced a series of new rules and regulations that are set to take effect in the upcoming edition of the race. These new rules are expected to shake up the dynamics of the competition and add a new level of intrigue for drivers, teams, and spectators alike.
Key Changes and Innovations
The new rules for the Bathurst 12 Hour Race are designed to promote closer racing, strategic diversity, and increased competition among teams and drivers. Some of the key changes and innovations that have been unveiled include:
Class Structure: The race will now feature an updated class structure, which will see the addition of new classes for both GT4 and Invitational cars. This will allow a wider range of cars to compete in the race, adding diversity and excitement to the on-track action.
Pit Stop Regulations: To add an element of unpredictability and strategy to the race, new pit stop regulations have been introduced. These regulations will dictate the minimum and maximum time that cars must spend in the pits during driver changes and refueling stops. This will require teams to carefully plan their pit stop strategy and could lead to dramatic changes in race positions.
Balance of Performance: The Balance of Performance (BoP) system has been updated to ensure that different car models and manufacturers are as closely matched as possible in terms of performance. This will help to level the playing field and prevent any one car from dominating the race, leading to closer and more exciting competition.
Technical Regulations: Several technical regulations have been revised to ensure that cars are as competitive and safe as possible. These changes include updates to aerodynamic regulations, engine restrictions, and electronic aids, all aimed at improving the overall racing experience.
these new rules and regulations are expected to inject a new level of excitement and unpredictability into the Bathurst 12 Hour Race, making it a must-watch event for motorsport enthusiasts around the world.
Benefits and Practical Tips
The new rules for the Bathurst 12 Hour Race are set to benefit both competitors and spectators alike. Here are some of the key benefits and practical tips to keep in mind:
Closer Racing: With the introduction of the updated class structure and Balance of Performance system, fans can expect to see closer racing and more intense battles on track.
Strategy and Tactics: The new pit stop regulations will require teams to carefully strategize their race plan, adding an element of unpredictability and excitement to the competition.
Diverse Field: The addition of new classes for GT4 and Invitational cars will result in a more diverse and colorful field of cars, providing a visually stunning spectacle for spectators.
Enhanced Competition: The revised technical regulations will ensure that cars are as competitive as possible, leading to a thrilling and hard-fought race for victory.
Case Studies
One of the most notable examples of the impact of the new rules and regulations can be seen in the recent success of the GT4 class. With the introduction of the new class structure, GT4 cars have enjoyed increased participation and have been able to showcase their performance in a dedicated class. This has led to a surge in interest and excitement surrounding the GT4 category, with more manufacturers and teams entering the fray.
Firsthand Experience
Drivers and teams who have experienced the new rules and regulations firsthand have expressed their enthusiasm for the changes. Many have praised the closer competition, dynamic racing, and increased strategic depth brought about by the new regulations. The general consensus is that the Bathurst 12 Hour Race has become even more challenging and captivating, making it a must-attend event for any motorsport enthusiast.
the recent unveiling of new rules and regulations for the Bathurst 12 Hour Race promises to elevate the event to new heights, offering an exhilarating experience for both competitors and spectators. With a more diverse field, closer racing, and increased competition, the Bathurst 12 Hour Race is set to deliver an unforgettable motorsport spectacle. Make sure to mark your calendars for the upcoming edition of the race and witness the excitement firsthand!
Pit Stop Rules
Pit stop rules have been simplified into ‘Timed’ and ‘Untimed’ stops reflected in regulations for fuel/driver changes subject to minimum stop times.
Safety Car Rules
Safety car rules have also been changed reflecting Supercars Operations Manual with continued implementation window revision.
Balance of Performance
The regulations in this area include maximum stint lengths measured in laps ensuring equal performance among various makes/models comprising GT3 grid.
Director’s Perspective
Event director Shane Rudzis emphasized that these changes are more about minor evolutions rather than wholesale alterations. Collaboration with partners at SRO aims at aligning with key international events while maintaining unique aspects specific to Bathurst.
These adjustments seek not only familiarity for teams racing internationally but also aim towards improving viewer experience – reverting back to an all-in ten-car battle for pole promises excitement during qualifications. Entries open soon welcoming teams worldwide and across Australia aiming towards another incredible race next February on Mount Panorama!
The post Exciting New Rules Unveiled for Bathurst 12 Hour Race! first appeared on News Sports.
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Author : News-Sports
Publish date : 2024-09-23 08:16:34
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