We’re back in Melbourne, right around the corner from home for Round 9 of the 2022 Supercars Championship, for the Sandown SuperSprint.
It's a two-and-a-half-day format, a little different to previous rounds, and Luffy and Fabs also get a chance to jump behind the wheel for their first official session of the year.
Format
It's a SuperSprint format, but over two and a half days this time.
Friday afternoon sees Nick and Chaz in for Practice 1, then Fabs and Luffy in for the Additional Drivers Session.
On Saturday, we have one final practice session before a three-part knockout qualifying session, and the first 36-lap race of the weekend.
Sunday begins with back-to-back qualifying sessions, followed by two further 36-lap races to round out the weekend.
The Track
Built in the early 1960’s, it is one of the most historic circuits on the calendar, draped with history.
It’s a short lap, at 3.1kms, but filled with action in the 13-corners that wrap around the horse racing track in the middle. The best passing opportunity is into turn 1, the heavy braking zone.
Tyres
We are back on the Dunlop Super-Soft tyre all weekend. High deg, high grip.
Pitstops
No fuel, just tyres, which means the race will be on in the lane.
Weather
Rain is a threat all weekend, but not guaranteed, with temperatures in the low teens.
How to Watch
Every session, every lap, will be live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo.
For the full TV guide, please CLICK HERE.
Chaz Mostert
“Really looking forward to this weekend. We had some good speed at times last year, which gives us something to build on coming in, hopefully Friday is strong and we can set up our weekend from there.
“Racing around the corner from WAU home base means its always a big round, with plenty of support, so its always a cool round.
“Weather looks like it could be a factor at some stage, but we’ve just got to put ourselves in a strong position early and deal with it as it happens.
Nick Percat
“Racing at Sandown is always cool, awesome track to drive, and I think being so close to our home in Clayton makes it extra special.
“Hoping we can start well this weekend with Practice 1, then looking forward to having Luffy jump in straight after to get some laps – will be great to have him in Car 2.
“We might be watching the sky a bit over the weekend, but looking forward to seeing everyone in the grandstand as we start, it’s always a cool feeling.”