The Prebrief: The Bend SuperSprint

Published: 07 May 2021
The sun will be shining across Tailem Bend this weekend.
The sun will be shining across Tailem Bend this weekend.

Pictured: The sun will be shining across Tailem Bend this weekend.

We’re back in South Australia for Round 4 of the 2021 Repco Supercars Championship and in action across two action-packed days.

Last time we were here was August 2020, when we completed back-to-back rounds while on the road, and there was plenty to smile about. Bryce Fullwood stood on the podium for the first time in his Supercars career, and Chaz Mostert banked his first pole with Walkinshaw Andretti United.

This weekend, we also welcome Kurt Kostecki back to the fold in his first of three wildcard appearances in the No. 27!

The Track

This weekend we are on the International Circuit configuration, which is 4.95km long, and has 18 turns. It’s a long lap, which is high load, with long sweeping corners.

Tyres

We’re back on the soft tyre which means one thing, tyre degradation.

Last year it was the major factor in all races, who looked after their tyres the best to give themselves a shot at the end. Go too hard too early, and you will be wounded in the closing stages of the race.

It’ll be a game of patience.

Format

Saturday starts with two practice sessions, before a three-part qualifying session, and a 24-lap race.

On Sunday, there will once again be two rapid-fire qualifying sessions in a row that set the grid for the two 24-lap races to round out the weekend.

How to Watch

Every session across the weekend will be live on Fox Sports and Kayo. For times, CLICK HERE.

Weather

The forecast looks good, with top temperatures in the low 20’s across both days, and no rain in sight.

Chaz Mostert

“It’s awesome to be back at The Bend this weekend, it’s a great track to race at.

“The win last round was great, but the work hasn’t stopped, we are all focussed on making that a regular occurrence, which starts this weekend.

“Last year we had really good one-lap pace in the car, but struggled with tyre life, so we’ve been working hard at that in the lead up to the event to try and improve in that area.

“It’s great to be back racing in South Australia as well, they are a passionate motorsport state with some great fans so it will be awesome to see them this weekend.”

Bryce Fullwood

“Looking forward to getting out there this weekend at The Bend. The last couple of rounds definitely haven’t gone our way, but the work in the background has been non-stop, we had a positive test day here last week, and I’m feeling confident about where we are at.

“Last time we were here was obviously a very special day for me, and something I won’t forget, but it’s made me even more hungry for that to continue and get our season back on the right track.

“These short format weekends mean practice time is at a premium, and qualifying is even more important, so Saturday morning will be integral to our weekend.”

Kurt Kostecki

“Really excited to get out there this weekend with Walkinshaw Andretti United, and get this wildcard programme underway.

“It was nice to have the test day at Winton recently to get comfortable in the car and blow to cobwebs out.

“The format this weekend means that there won’t be any time to ease into things, but I cant wait to get out there and see how we go.”