Supercars AGP start procedure rule tweaked

Start procedure altered ahead of third Supercars AGP race
Friday's race ran two laps short after delayed start
Matt Payne will start Race 5 from pole on Saturday afternoon

A rule tweak has been locked in ahead of Saturday’s third Supercars race in Melbourne, after Race 4 was shortened.

The Friday race ran to 17 laps, two short of the scheduled 19-lap distance, after the start was delayed following a crash-strewn Formula 3 qualifying session.

A variation to the rules was released following Boost Mobile Qualifying on Saturday morning, confirming the amendment of the event Supplementary Regulations.

Stewards now has the power to reduce the reconnaissance lap for Races 5 and 6 if the start is delayed, from a full lap to just two corners.

Supercars are released onto the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit at the penultimate corner, Turn 13, rather than pit exit.

Under the rule tweak, cars would simply head from the marshalling area to the starting grid on pit straight, rather than completing a full reconnaissance lap.

Cars will still complete normal starting procedure, including the formation lap.

The Saturday and Sunday races will be held over 14 laps each, with Saturday’s race scheduled to start at 5:40pm local time.

Supercars action at the Grand Prix will conclude with Race 6, also 14 laps, at 10:25am on Sunday.