New Bathurst 12 Hour class structure announced
The 2022 LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour will feature a revised class structure and event format.
The 2022 edition of the internationally-renowned race will be contested primarily as a Pro-Am affair.
It will require one FIA bronze ranking driver in each car competing in the outright GT3 class.
Quarantine requirements for competitors from key markets, along with the continued global freight challenges, have forced the change.
However, key manufacturer support for the event will allow the event to remain the opening round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli.
The 2022 event will also be the opening round of the 2022 Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia.
May’s event will feature extra practice for amateur drivers, as well as a new qualifying format.
An aggregate lap time across multiple drivers in each entry will be recorded.
The amateur driver in each car will be required to set a lap time in qualifying to help determine grid positions.
The Pirelli Top 10 Shootout will remain as in previous years.
"The LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour has traditionally been the launching point for the Australian motorsport season and brings the eyes of the world to Mount Panorama each February," Supercars CEO Shane Howard said.
"We have worked closely with our partners at the Bathurst Regional Council, Destination New South Wales and SRO to secure a return to the traditional February race date next year, giving competitors, supporters and partners long-term confidence moving forward."
Organisers also confirmed the 2023 event will return to the traditional February date.
Tickets for the 2022 event are on sale now.
2022 LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour class structure
Class A: GT3 Pro-Am
If 3 drivers, 2x are Platinum, Gold or Silver and 1x Bronze
If 4 drivers, 2x are Platinum, Gold or Silver and 2x Bronze
Class A: GT3 Am
Maximum of 1x Silver driver, the remaining drivers are Bronze
Class B: GT3 Trophy Pro-Am
Maximum of 1x Silver driver, the remaining drivers are Bronze
Class B: GT3 Trophy AM All Bronze
Class C: Porsche GT3 Cup Car Class D: GT4
Class I: Invitational Class Cars, ‘GTC’ cars from one-make categories including Ferrari Challenge, Lamborghini Supercup and Audi R8 Cup
