Supercars unveil three-race format for Sydney return

Supercars have unveiled a three-race format for its return to Sydney Motorsport Park later this month.

Three 130km sprint races each with one compulsory pitstop and a Top-15 shootout will make up the two-day TV-only affair.

A 20-minute practice session designated to rookies will open the event on Saturday, followed by two full-field practice sessions as per normal.

Qualifying has been revamped and will see all cars enter Q1 with the slowest four lap times eliminated. Q2 will then feature the remaining 20 drivers.

From there, the five slowest drivers will be knocked out before the remaining 15 take place in a unique shootout.

Saturday will conclude with the opening 33-lap sprint race.

Back-to-back qualifying sessions will open proceedings on Sunday morning, setting the grid for the remaining two sprint races.

According to Supercars, the two-day event will feature upwards of 12 hours of Supercars action.

Teams will now be limited on what data they can receive live during each race in a revamping of the technical regulations. Data can only be accessed at the end of the event and teams have been in enforced to remove brake temperature sensors and gyro sensors from their cars.

Reigning champion Scott McLaughlin will go into the event with a 27-point lead over Jamie Whincup.

Opening practice is scheduled to get underway from 12.20 pm NZT with the first race on Saturday slated for 5.30 pm NZT.

_{Main Image: Getty}