The IRWIN Racing Ford of Lee Holdsworth will make the long-haul to Abu Dhabi this weekend for three sprint races at the Yas Marina Circuit.
It will be the third visit to the spectacular seaside circuit, but it will be the first time the V8s will be paired with Formula One.
In previous visits the V8s had raced at night, but this time around all three 12-lap races will be held in the daytime and on the full 5.5km F1 circuit. The earlier track times for the V8s in Abu Dhabi in 2012 will mean Australian fans can follow the action in prime time hours.
There will be no pit stops in the races, making qualifying even more critical. Qualifying times will all come from the one 20-minute session. The format will see a driver’s fastest time set the grid for Race #1, his second fastest time set the grid for Race #2 and his third fastest time set the grid for Race #3.
The time difference between Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time and Abu Dhabi is seven hours.
What Lee Holdsworth had to say:
“Racing alongside F1 will mean we will have a massive crowd and the atmosphere is sure to be fantastic,” said Holdsworth.
“It’s an awesome track and as we have seen in the past there’s plenty of side-by-side racing. Plus with plenty of run-off areas you can have a go.
“Racing on the full track this time will also mean running the longer back straight and a big braking zone which is sure to open-up passing opportunities.
“The timing for the followers in Oz is terrific and I’m sure plenty of fans will take the opportunity to kick-back, have a barbie or a few drinks and enjoy the racing in the evening hours.”
Abu Dhabi On-Track schedule
Friday 2nd November
V8 Supercars Practice – Part 1 : 30 minutes
5.15pm-5.45pm Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time (AEDST)
V8 Supercars Practice – Part 2 : 30 minutes
6.45pm-7.15pm AEDST
V8 Supercars Qualifying : 20 minutes
10pm-10.20pm AEDST
Saturday 3rd November
V8 Supercars 12 laps – Race 24 : 65 km
5pm AEDST
V8 Supercars 12 laps – Race 25 : 65 km
6.55pm AEDST
Sunday 4th November
V8 Supercars 12 laps – Race 26 : 65 km
8.30pm AEDST
Australian TV schedule
Saturday 3rd November
7Mate
Qualifying, Race 24 & Race 25 (LIVE)
5pm-8pm Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time (AEDST)
Sunday 4th November
Seven
Race 24 & Race 25
3pm-5pm AEDST
7Mate
Race 26 (LIVE)
8pm-9.30pm AEDST
Monday 5th November
7Mate
Race 26
3pm-5.30pm AEDST
SERIES POINTS REPORT: Race 23
1. Jamie Whincup 3060
2. Mark Winterbottom 2842
3. Craig Lowndes 2815
4. Will Davison 2503
5. Shane van Gisbergen 2182
6. Tim Slade 2085
7. Garth Tander 2030
8. David Reynolds 1746
9. James Courtney 1725
10. Lee Holdsworth 1719
