Grand idea to raise the bar
HOLDEN driver Craig Lowndes has predicted the first Supercars race for championship points at this month’s Australian Grand Prix will take racing to a new level.
Supercars stars will finally battle it out on the Albert Park circuit for more than bragging rights next week after Formula One management gave the green light to make it more than just a support category.
Lowndes said drivers would be buoyed to finally compete in Melbourne “for a purpose’’.
“We come here every year and put on a good show for the crowd, we bang up the cars, we rub panels and we ( usually) go home with a thank you,’’ he said.
“At least now we know we obviously come here for championship points and a reason to push and strive harder and obviously look for those podium results.’’
The Holden star predicted the move would stoke the competitive nature of drivers wanting to become the first to win points for the first time in Melbourne.
“There is definitely more at stake,’’ he said.
“I think the drivers are going to be more critical and pushing harder to get that extra pass and get those extra points.
“The format itself – four races with two longer races and two shorter races – will definitely throw a bit of a mix in.
“But it’s going to be fantastic to finally be rewarded for the hard work we put in.’’
He said racing for points a lot would also fire up fans and could draw bigger crowds to the Grand Prix, from March 22- 25.
“The mindset will definitely be different because of the importance of why were are here and for there being championship points,’’ he said.
Lowndes said the fast- flowing Albert Park circuit was different to most, as it was “aero dependent’’ and forced drivers to strike a balance between downforce and straight line speed.
And it meant the list of potential victors was wide open.
“It’s really hard to tell, it’s only early days,’’ he said.
“But I’m sure whoever comes out after this weekend will stamp a bit of authority on the championship.’’