SUPERCARS HOT FOR THE ORIENT

SUPERCARS is targeting a place on the Formula One support card for the Singapore Grand Prix in 2024 as part of the series’ plans to grow its international reach.

As the sport prepares for a new chapter with the launch of its Gen3 cars next year, Supercars chief executive Shane Howard said there had been meaningful talks with Singapore GP organisers about a place on the undercard for 2023.

But “commercial” factors, specifically the impact of high freight costs, precluded Supercars racing at the night grand prix next year.

Howard said talks with Singapore organisers would be revisited for 2024 as he confirmed the sport’s ambition to target more Formula One events overseas in the future.

The series already races as a support category at the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park.

Supercars unveiled its 12-race 2023 calendar last week without a race outside Australia.

Howard said Singapore organisers wanted Supercars on their card.

“Absolutely we would like to be part of that (Singapore) event and they would like to have us there,” he said at the Adelaide 500 on Friday.

“(It was) probably more the commercial side of it, the impacts of the freight are significant.

“So, (we’re) just trying to work on that side of it and look at how we can get that freight into a cheaper model.

“Our focus going into next year is really on Gen3 and getting that right and it buys us a bit more time in considering 2024, because we will know where we are with the cars and the racing, and it allows us to look at other models to reduce freight costs.”

Asked if Supercars hoped to eventually race at multiple F1 events, Howard said there was a desire to target more, but Singapore was the best starting place.

“We would like to run in some other Formula One events, yes,” he said.

“Singapore is very good because of the time zone, it’s very good for us and the shorter distance helps.

“(China) is not a consideration for us at the moment, but nothing is off the cards.

“Obviously we would work with Formula One and the relevant promoters. Having 2023 to be able to develop those opportunities will be very helpful for us.”

Outside of a New Zealand event, Supercars last took a championship race overseas in 2013 to the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

Before that, Supercars also raced at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi from 2010-12.

Since stepping into the role last year, Supercars chairman Barclay Nettlefold has been open about the series’ ambitions to expand overseas and add to its F1 support roles.