Since its move from Adelaide in 1996, the Supercars have appeared on the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix every year except 2007. Previously a “demonstration event” for the series, with results not counting towards the championship, drivers will compete for championship points at the Supercars Melbourne 400 event for the first time after striking a six-year deal with F1 management. The highest scoring driver will also win the new for 2018 Larry Perkins Trophy
With full championship status, the Albert Park circuit becomes the 33rd different venue to host a round of the Australian Touring Car Championship / Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.
The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix Supercars Melbourne 400
22 March – 25 March 2018
Circuit Description
The Albert Park circuit is a temporary track which is only used once a year to host the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix. The circuit uses everyday sections of road that circle Albert Park Lake, a few kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD.
Drivers consider the fast and flowing circuit as relatively easy to master. Its consistent placement of corners allows them to easily learn the track, but overtaking opportunities are limited.
Circuit Guide
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Format: International SuperSprint
Track Length: 5.303km
Circuit Direction: Clockwise
Corners: 16
Fastest Point: Front Straight
Slowest Point: Turn 15
Full Throttle: 65%
Top Speed: 265km/h
Lap Record: 1:55.9682 – Craig Lowndes (2011) in a Holden Commodore VE2
Qualifying Lap Record: 1:54.3972 – Fabian Coulthard (2017) in a Ford Falcon FG/X
Race Wins: Russell Ingall 8
Pole Positions: Fabian Coulthard 4
2017 Winners: R1: Scott McLaughlin R2: Fabian Coulthard R3: Fabian Coulthard R4: Chaz Mostert
2018 Winners: R1: Scott McLaughlin R2: Jamie Whincup R3: Scott Pye R4: David Reynolds
Tyres: 24 Super Soft
2018 Coates Hire Supercars Melbourne 400 Event Information
Thursday 22 March – Sunday 25 March 2018
Practice 1: 30 minutes
Practice 2: 30 minutes
Qualifying 1: 10 minutes (sets grid for Race 1)
Qualifying 2: 10 minutes (sets grid for Race 2)
Qualifying 3: 10 minutes (sets grid for Race 3)
Qualifying 4: 10 minutes (sets grid for Race 4)
Race 1: 130km (25 laps)
Race 2: 70km (13 laps)
Race 3: 130km (25 laps)
Race 4: 70km (13 laps)
Find out more on the unique Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix Supercars Challenge qualifying and race format in our guide to the 2018 Race Formats