Drivers, officials collaborate on Gold Coast kerb hop changes

Supercars and Motorsport Australia, in consultation with drivers, are undertaking changes and trials with the chicane kerb hop system at the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500.

Drivers were pushing the limits in opening practice on Friday, with over 180 kerb hops recorded at the beach chicane, the bulk coming at Turn 9.

In a trial, the Turn 2 sensor was deactivated for Practice 1, which was topped by Cam Waters, while the sensors at Turns 8, 9 and 10 at the beach chicane remained on.

Motorsport Australia has advised Turn 9 will be deactivated for Practice 2 in another trial, while the Turn 2 sensor will remain deactivated for the remainder of the weekend.

The trials and decisions have been made in consultation with the Drivers Group.

In a stewards bulletin released after Practice 1, Motorsport Australia advised:

Turn 2: The Kerb loop at Turn 2 will remain deactivated for the remainder of the event after the successful trial during Practice 1.

Turn 9: Following consultation with Drivers, the Motorsport Australia Race Direction team and Supercars, the Kerb loop will be deactivated during Practice 2 as a trial.

"It's important to emphasise that these changes have been made in continued consultation with the drivers," Supercars General Manager of Motorsport Tim Edwards told Supercars.com.

"We're happy with the successful trial with the Turn 2 kerb loop in Practice 1, and we will deactivate the Turn 9 loop for this afternoon's session in another trial.

"We're always monitoring how best to manage competition and the drivers are a key part of that, and today's practice sessions offer further opportunity for that ahead of the weekend."

On track action at the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 continues with Practice 2 at 3:35pm local time/4:35pm AEDT. Tickets for the event are on sale now.