No tests for drivers, teams as Supercars hit the track
SUPERCARS will not enforce blanket COVID-19 testing for drivers and teams ahead of this weekend’s return round in Sydney, but the strictest protocols for the season will be in place.
The V8s will roar back to action at Sydney Motorsport Park for the first time since the season was shut down at the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park in
March. But hopes of a limited crowd being allowed at the venue to watch from parked cars for the championship relaunch have been ruled out.
The organisation still remains hopeful crowds will be allowed trackside – albeit in a limited capacity – in time for the Townsville 400, which will take to the Reid Park street circuit on August 29-30.
After shockwaves were sent through the AFL after its first positive COVID-19 test, Supercars confirmed it would not enforce wholesale testing for everyone attending the round in Sydney.
No one will be allowed into the track, however, without strict screening, including temperature checks at the gate.
The Sydney return round will see a host of COVID-ENforced rule changes with no fuel stops in the three sprint races, restrictions on pit-lane crew and limited time at the circuit each day.
All teams will stay in a hotel opposite the track and must walk to the venue.
Supercars chief executive Sean Seamer said the series had put in place the strictest protocols for the Sydney race.
“We’ve been very strict around Sydney Motorsport Park intentionally so that we are able to maintain credibility with the state governments,” Seamer said.
“And from
(reassess).” there we will
Pit crew numbers will be limited to 13 people per twocar team.
Seamer said the restrictions on crew numbers could remain in place beyond this year in an effort to cut costs.
“Working with the team we have used this as an opportunity to rethink how we execute events to make sure that the sport is more sustainable going forward,” Seamer said.
“Obviously people are a big part of that.”