Asian Motor Sports

V8 Supercars Australia is certain the reverse grid format to be introduced for the first time in New Zealand this weekend will guarantee fans an unrivalled spectacle and add to the pure racing package.

The reverse grid format will be used for the first time in 2006 in race two of the three-race New Zealand event, challenging teams and drivers to call on all of their passing skills.

The format, where the winning car from the first race starts from the rear of the grid in race two and so on, has been used to great success in the newly named Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series.

V8 Supercars Australia Chief Executive Wayne Cattach says the format will offer fans some incredible racing and encourage drivers to push the limit, within the framework of the rules.

“It’s incredibly exciting,” Mr Cattach said.

“There is less than a second often separating all 31 cars in V8 Supercar racing which augers brilliantly for the reverse grid where those generally faster cars at the back are pushing those at the front.”

The points score system has been modified to accompany the change. All events will be worth a total of 320 points. On three-race weekends the first race will be worth 128 points to the winner, 64 points in the second and 128 points for the third and final sprint.

The order of the reverse grid will be decided following race one. If a driver fails to finish the first race his starting position in race two will be from the rear of the grid. The grid for the third and final race at these events will be decided by combined points from race one and two.

“The idea is to make sure the spectacle is enhanced without compromising the hard work of the teams or the legitimacy of the end result,” Mr Cattach said.

“There is plenty of incentive for both ends of the grid to work hard in the middle races. The board believes it will be wonderful initiative that will only grow interest in the sport.”

All teams and drivers were briefed extensively by the Investigating and Prosecuting Officer (IPO) Peter Wollerman and Driving Standards Observer (DSO) Colin Bond on the policing of the reverse grid at the first race of the season in Adelaide.

Stewards will strictly enforce the rules with particular reference to ‘blocking’ which would result in blue flags being issued by Race Director Tim Schenken on advice from the IPO and DSO, followed if necessary by black flags on advice from the stewards.

“Drawing on substantial experience in the Fujitsu Series we are comfortable that the objectives will be met to ensure there are opportunities for drivers to forge ahead without impediment,” Mr Cattach said.

“We have the cars and the drivers with the ability to work through the field and rules to prevent the blocking of cars behind. These apply in all races, not just the reverse grid. The rules are adequate and the officials have strong powers to deal with it.”

This will be reinforced at the team managers and driver briefings in New Zealand.

The reverse grid will also be held at Championship Series events in Perth, Winton, Darwin, Oran Park, Surfers Paradise, Bahrain, Tasmania and Phillip Island in 2006.