THERE will be an updated points system in play for the 2023 Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, offering greater reward for qualifying standouts.
This year, a maximum of 153 points will be up for grabs at every round.
That now includes 10 for pole position, seven for qualifying second, five for third, three for fourth and two for fifth.
Also new is the allocation of one bonus point for fastest lap in each of the three races that make up an event weekend.
Race formats and points remain unchanged, with 50 points awarded to the winner of the first and third legs, and 40 for the reverse top 10 grid encounter in between.
As had been the case, qualifying sets the starting order for Race 1, while the Race 3 grid is determined based on the points accumulated across the opening two heats.
Australian Racing Group head of category operations Ben McMellan explained the introduction of qualifying points would give further meaning to yet another session.
“The change will put more emphasis on qualifying to ensure every driver has an extra incentive to go as hard as they can in that session,” said McMellan.
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“We want to see our drivers and teams always pushing the limits, in every session, and we feel this is going to add more spice to the most important sessions of a race weekend.
“For qualifying, it needs to have real meaning.
“Almost all of the qualifying sessions were broadcast on Stan Sport in 2022, and the plan is to keep that for 2023, so we want to ensure that it is an unmissable session – whether fans are watching the Stan broadcast or trackside.”
There will be an increased free-to-air television component for SpeedSeries events this year.
The TCR season kicks off at Symmons Plains on February 24-26.
