The Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) announced today that Supercars will now be a round of the Supercars Championship calendar at the 2018 Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix.
The partnership and contractual agreement between the AGPC and Supercars has also been extended for a further six years until 2023, providing a successful and exciting addition to the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix for future years.
For the first time in history, fans who attend the 2018 Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix will be able to enjoy and experience a Supercars Championship round as part of the event’s on-track race program.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events, The Hon. John Eren believes the Supercars Championship at the 2018 Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix is a fantastic addition to the calendar of the world’s best sporting events in Melbourne.
“The introduction of a Supercars Championship round will increase local and international interest and shine the spotlight on the city of Melbourne and the fantastic sporting events we consistently host,” Minister John Eren said.
“In addition to the FIA Formula One World Championship, the Supercars Championship will add to the spectacle of competitive racing and the fan experience at this world-class event.”
AGPC CEO, Andrew Westacott, is looking forward to continuing to enhance the fan experience with the presence of a Supercars Championship round.
“We continually listen to our fans and there has been a strong appetite for a Supercars Championship round, so we see the partnership as a highly beneficial one and we are excited to bring this opportunity to fruition,” Westacott said.
“It has also been great to have the support of Formula 1 and the can-do attitude of Supercars to help bring it all together and work towards creating an even better event for 2018 and beyond.”
Supercars CEO, James Warburton, was delighted to confirm the sport had extended its deal to continue at the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix as a Supercars Championship round for a further six years until 2023.
“This fantastic opportunity to host championship races at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit will further showcase Supercars on the world-stage,” Warburton said.
“I am delighted to say that thanks to the hard work and perseverance of the AGPC, and the foresight of Formula 1, it is now a reality.
“A Championship round and the six-year contract extension through to 2023 will be warmly received by our fans and add a new dimension to the event.”
Westacott said event dates and final race formats will be confirmed in the coming months.
“What I can say is that the excitement of Supercars will add to the excitement of Formula 1 and assist in creating a sensational event in 2018,” he said.
For more information on the 2018 Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix, please visit www.grandprix.com.au
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The 2018 Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix ● Albert Park
For bookings and more information visit www.grandprix.com.au or call 1800 100 030
Media Contacts: Anita Nielsen +61 433 363 422
Shane van Gisbergen – Red Bull Holden Racing Team and current Supercars Champion
“We’ve had some success at Albert Park over the years but victory will be even sweeter with Championship points on the line.”
Fabian Coulthard – current Supercars Championship leader and 2017 AGP winner
“We had an amazing run at Albert Park this year and with points now up for grabs the goal will be to repeat that here next year. The Grand Prix has always been a terrific event to race at and now has just gotten event better.”
Mark Winterbottom – Prodrive Racing Australia and seven-time race winner at the AGP
“The Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix has always been one of my favourite events and it’s a great track at Albert Park. With the race being for points next season, it will definitely step up the competitiveness and put the pressure on.”
Chaz Mostert – Prodrive Racing Australia and Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 Champion
“I love the Grand Prix. It’s an awesome track and an awesome event. Bring it on next year.”
Rick Kelly – Nissan Motorsport, former Supercar Champion and multiple Bathurst 1000 winner
“Racing competitively at the 2018 Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix will be a first for fans to see, and a first for us. I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”
Todd Kelly – Nissan Motorsport, Bathurst winner, Bathurst 24 Hour winner
“The cars are big, loud and competitive and I think the fans will really love watching us race for points. We really enjoy the track and it suits our cars, so I’m very excited with the prospect of racing for points in 2018. You can be sure that we’ll be putting on a good show.”
Lee Holdsworth – Preston Hire Racing
“It has always been such a great event and this will add another layer of incentive and pressure on our teams to get it right and race more aggressively than we do already.”
