How knockout qualifying works in 2023

Knockout ARMOR ALL Qualifying returns in 2023, with the format making its first appearance at the Bosch Power Tools Perth SuperSprint.

The April 28-30 Perth round is the first of five Supercars events this year to utilise knockout qualifying.

Knockout qualifying will also be used at the NED Whisky Tasmania SuperSprint, Betr Darwin Triple Crown, Beaurepaires Sydney SuperNight and OTR SuperSprint.

The three-part system will be deployed to set the grid for five races, starting with the Perth opener.

The Perth format offers yet more challenges for drivers and teams as they aim to get their heads around their new Gen3 Supercars.

The Perth schedule is unique in that there is a single 90-minute practice session on the Friday of the event.

Drivers then head into Saturday and straight into knockout qualifying, which will set the grid for the 42-lap Race 7.

According to the Supercars Operations Manual, regarding Sporting Rules, there are two specific qualifying formats — 1 and 2.

Format 1 is a single timed session where all cars take part. Format 1 was used in Newcastle — which also featured Top Ten Shootouts — and Albert Park, with single sessions setting the running order.

Perth will utilise Format 2, which is qualifying broken into three parts.

Knockout qualifying often leads to convergent strategies with tyre use and when drivers opt to set their flying laps.

Critically, given the Perth circuit is just 2.4km long, traffic will be a major talking point, in both Saturday knockout and Sunday single-session qualifying.

Notably, Shane van Gisbergen was caught out by traffic in the 2022 event, which led to a lowly grid spot.

Breaking down the format

Qualifying 1

During the first 15 minutes of the session, all 25 cars will take part. At the end of Q1, the 20 fastest cars in order will be permitted to continue to Q2. The remaining cars will not be permitted to take any further part in the session.

Qualifying 2

After a five minute break, the session will resume for 15 minutes and only the remaining cars from Q1 will be permitted to take part. At the end of Q2, the 10 fastest cars in order will be permitted to continue in the session.

Qualifying 3

After a five minute break, the session will resume for 15 minutes. The top 10 drivers from Q2 fight it out for ARMOR ALL Pole Position, setting the first five rows of the grid in the process.

Bosch Power Tools Perth SuperSprint: Session times

All times AWST

Friday, April 28

Saturday, April 29

Sunday, April 30