We’re back in South Australia for Round 8 of the 2023 Supercars Championship, in an action-packed two days.
The Track
This weekend we are on the International Circuit configuration, which is 4.95km long, and has 18 turns. It’s all one giant right-hand turn from 7 through to 10 so the left side of the car takes a real beating, it’s a long lap, with high loads, so it’s important to look after the tyres.
Format
Saturday starts with two practice sessions, before a three-part qualifying session, and a 100km race where lights will go out in the afternoon.
On Sunday, there will once again be two back-to-back qualifying sessions that set the grid for the two 100km races to round out the weekend.
Tyres
We’re back on the soft tyre this weekend for all three SuperSprint races, so degradation will be up.
It’s a bit of a game of patience around here. The high-loaded corners mean if you’re not kind on the tyre, they won’t be kind to you.
Pitstops
As this weekend consists of three SuperSprint races there is no refueling required.
With the SuperSprint format there is a minimum of one pitstop per race with the option to take two, three or four tyres, depending on race strategy.
Weather
It is a cloudy and cold weekend but there is no rain on the forecast.
How to Watch
Every session across the weekend will be live on Fox Sports and Kayo. For times, CLICK HERE.
Chaz Mostert
“I’m pumped for this weekend, we have had some great success at this track in the past which we are looking to repeat.
“Qualifying is a big focus for us this weekend, we need to be starting up front to be in the fight for the top step of the podium.
“It will be interesting to see how these Gen3 cars handle the high-speed track this weekend.”
Nick Percat
“It’s great to be racing back home in South Australia, the facilities at The Bend are fantastic so looking forward to a big weekend.
“We are back to a two-day format, so Saturday’s practice sessions become really important again. If you’re not in the window, it’s tough to fight back.
“A big focus for us this weekend is our quali car, with a sprint format this weekend, its key that we start each race with our best foot forward.”