New qualifying format to debut in 2018

A radical new qualifying format will be introduced at Supercars’ two shortest circuits next season in a bid to avoid traffic-related incidents.

The 2.4km Symmons Plains and Barbagallo circuits will feature the new format, in which the field will be split into groups based on practice times before a three-part ARMOR ALL Qualifying session.

It follows a series of near-misses over recent seasons as cars on flying laps came across others warming up for their runs.

This year’s Barbagallo event thrust the issue into the spotlight as Shane van Gisbergen and David Reynolds were forced to spear off the circuit in separate incidents to avoid other cars.

“We did discuss QR and Winton, but the Commission members felt there’s probably enough separation on those circuits not to employ this at those venues,” explained Stuart.

“Plus we want to see how it goes and if it’s successful it might be something that we use at those circuits

“It’s not something that you’d have everywhere, but it’s something different that we are going to try at these shorter circuits.

“The way it’s structured should alleviate that pressure, but until you try it you don’t completely know.”