Supercars drivers praise new quick format

Sunday, 28 June 2020:

The biggest names in Supercars have lauded a quick-fire race-day format after the series' return from its coronavirus hiatus.

Two-time defending champion Scott McLaughlin clinched the first Supercars race since February with no fans present at Sydney's Motorsport Park on Saturday.

To maintain COVID-19 health protocols, practice, qualifying and races have to be completed as quickly as possible.

There can normally be up to five hours between a practice session and the main race starting, with drivers engaged in off-track duties.

But with no support categories demanding track time, Supercars breezed through their schedule and will look to do the same for two 33-lap races on Sunday.

"I loved it, but my mechanics didn't like it...I've never seen the boys so flat out," McLaughlin said.

"I love the two-day format, I think it's a cool thing. Being here later and going home earlier and just straight on the job.

"It really comes up to the teams to roll out the truck strong."

Fellow Kiwi Shane van Gisbergen, who finished just behind McLaughlin in a thrilling finish to the breakthrough race, enjoyed the fast pace.

"I don't know what it seemed like watching on TV but for us it felt like we were non-stop and go, go, go all day," he said.

Seven-time champion Jamie Whincup said there was no "mucking around".

"The day did feel long in some ways but felt fast-paced in others," he said.

"I love the format, I think it's great."

The Bathurst 1000 won't be veering away from its traditional four-day format, but all remaining rounds this season will be two-day spectacles because of the pandemic protocols.






AAP






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