Albert Park tyres, format explained
A revamped circuit and tweaked format has drivers on notice for Supercars’ Albert Park return.
Supercars will race for points in four races at this weekend’s Beaurepaires Melbourne 400.
The category last raced at Albert Park in 2019, with the 2020 event cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The weekend’s format marks a shift away from the normal SuperSprint qualifying-race format.
All four 10-minute ARMOR ALL Qualifying sessions will be held before the first race of the weekend on Friday.
As such, drivers will qualify for the Sunday finale as early as Friday morning.
This weekend will be the second mixed tyre compound event of 2022; Dunlop’s Soft and Hard tyres will both be in use.
Tyre use in qualifying will be split; Soft tyres will be used in the first and second sessions on Thursday.
On Friday, Hard tyres will be used in the third and fourth sessions.
Teams must use both Soft and Hard compound tyres during each of the 20-lap races.
Because it is a mixed compound event, four tyres must be changed at compulsory pit stops.
Each car will start the weekend with eight sets of both compounds, with two pre-marked sets permitted.
The back of the circuit has been reprofiled
All four 20-lap races will also be held in the heat of the day, rather than previous cooler twilight start times.
Will Davison said getting an early read on circuit and tyres will prove crucial as the track surface evolves.
"Without too much strategy involved, qualifying is critical," the Shell V-Power Racing Team driver said.
"To have four qualifying sessions and four races is really unique.
"You qualify very early in the weekend; you qualify for Sunday’s race on Friday morning.
"A lot evolves over the weekend when the Formula 1 cars hit the track Friday, a lot more rubber goes down.
"The car characteristics change throughout the weekend, so you have to be on top of the circuit evolution."
The track itself has undergone a number of reconfigurations; notably, Turns 9 and 10 have been replaced by a fast sweeper.
'I’m looking forward to seeing some unpredictable results'
Some corners have also been reprofiled, which may increase the likelihood of overtaking.
That, combined with the tyre format, may contribute to some unpredictable results, says PremiAir Racing’s Garry Jacobson.
"I’m looking forward to seeing some unpredictable results this event," Jacobson explained.
"I’m sure that everybody is excited about learning the new circuit and the fresh bitumen layout will provide some fast and grippy conditions for the Supercars.
"I think it’ll provide some chances for people to shoot up and down in the order between practice and qualifying. It’ll be very unpredictable.
"In terms of the layout, it’ll be better for racing with a lot more high speed at the back side of the track that will allow for more passing opportunities."
Track action at the Beaurepaires Melbourne 400 will commence on Thursday.
