Drivers excited by return of 'awesome' flames

The return of flames spitting out the side of Supercars has proven a hit with drivers and fans alike after Wednesday’s Sydney test.

All 25 brand-new Gen3 cars shared Sydney Motorsport Park, which was shrouded by overcast skies on Wednesday.

However, the new cars did their utmost to add light to the occasion with the return of flames popping out of exhausts.

Throttle overrun causes flames to burst from exhausts, making from an eye-catching spectacle.

It had gone missing in recent years, but is back with a bang — literally — as the category shifts to the new bp Ultimate E75 fuel blend.

Supercars previously used E85 — 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent 98 Unleaded — before the shift to E75 from 2023.

The new race fuel contains more than 80 per cent of second generation fuel components, which are sourced from renewable feedstocks.

The new bp E75 Racing Fuel has been specially formulated to help extend the fuel range — that means burning fewer litres of fuel for the same race.

Supercars CEO Shane Howard said the new fuel is "an exciting step forward” for the sport.

"Supercars has always been committed to being at the forefront of innovation and sustainability,” Howard said..

“This transition to a lower carbon fuel product is the next step in our journey towards a more sustainable future.

"This change to a lower carbon fuel product represents a major milestone for Supercars and our fans.”

It proved a hit on social media; not only for fans watching on at the circuit and online, but for drivers too.

Up to 13 drivers — Andre Heimgartner, Nick Percat, Bryce Fullwood, Thomas Randle, Jack Le Brocq, Cameron Hill, Broc Feeney, Will Brown, Tim Slade, Scott Pye, Jack Smith, James Courtney and Chaz Mostert — all referenced flame imagery from the day’s action.

It excited Heimgartner, who topped both the morning and afternoon sessions on Wednesday.

“We’ve seen them standing still in photos for so long,” Heimgartner said of the new cars.

“To actually come out here and see it in person… you come into Turn 1 and see the flames out the side.

“It’s pretty awesome for the spectators that got to come here.”

Fullwood added: “Cars are awesome. They look great, flames coming out of them, so you can see that on the track.”

Wednesday’s running was affected by wet weather — but that didn’t stop drivers leaning into the return of the fiery spectacle.

Courtney posted an image of his car spitting flames, accompanied by the caption: “Doing my best to dry the track”.

Hill also posted: "The rain tried its hardest but we still got this epic photo”.

The 2023 Repco Supercars Championship will commence at the Thrifty Newcastle 500 on March 10-12.

Tickets are on sale on Supercars.com and Ticketek.com.