The updated sporting and technical regulations for the Bathurst 12 Hours have been released, while registrations have officially opened.
The race, which will take place between January 31 and February 2, 2025, will once again be the opening round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge.
The further refinement of the regulations for the event, which brings the race in line with other major GT3 endurance races around the world, is the result of consultation between Supercars, SRO, the entrants, Motorsport Australia and other key parties involved in the event.
The main changes to the 2025 event regulations are as follows: 2025 will feature two formation laps followed by the traditional two-a-side rolling start, plus a new qualifying format.
It involves a division into two groups: Q1 is reserved for the cars with the worst classification in Free Practice 6 and Q2 for the others; the results will determine the 10 that will pass to the final qualifying phase which will be held in the afternoon.
The third part will feature a 10-car session called the “Pirelli Pole Battle”, with the fastest car taking home the Allan Simonsen Pole Award. The length of the session will be announced closer to the event.
The class requirements have been slightly modified to bring the event in line with international racing. For example, Pro-Am will feature three drivers (1 Platinum / Gold / Silver plus 2 Bronze drivers) or four drivers (2 Platinum / Gold / Silver, 2 Bronze).
Driver stints have been simplified for 2025: Bronzes can now run for a maximum of 120′ before switching (previously the maximum stint length was 80′). This allows for more strategic flexibility.
For several years, minimum driving time has not been imposed on Bronze drivers who are part of a Pro team. From 2025, this rule will be extended to the Silver class.
The pit stop rules have been simplified, with “timed” and “non-timed” stops as now reflected in the new regulation. The former will include refueling and driver changes, with a minimum pit stop time as in previous years.
The Safety Car rules and regulations have been simplified and now mirror the Supercars Operations Manual. The wave-by rules will continue to apply, with the race window for implementation currently under review.
#27 Heart of Racing-SPS Automotive Performance, Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo: Ian James, Ross Gunn, Alex Riberas
Photo by: SRO
Balance of Performance
The 2025 regulations will include a provision for maximum stint lengths, measured in laps, as part of the BoP system that ensures parity of performance between the various makes and models that make up the GT3 grid.
Both the Sporting and Technical Regulations and the Supplementary Event Regulations are available online to teams and competitors, via the Bathurst 12 Hour website.
“It’s always a long and complex process to refine regulations from year to year and the 2025 regulations reflect minor evolutions rather than radical changes, and broadly speaking they are very similar to those that produced such an exciting race in 2024,” said Event Director Shane Rudzis.
“We have worked closely with our partners at SRO to ensure the race further reflects major international events and GT3 championships, to ensure familiarity for teams competing both here and overseas, whilst continuing to embrace the unique factors that make the Bathurst 12 Hour so special.
“Elements such as the lack of minimum riding time for Bronze riders when in a Pro group have become a key factor in the race and have allowed riders of the calibre of Kenny Habul to have the opportunity to win an overall when they otherwise might not have done so.”
“At the same time, the option to switch to two formation laps was designed to improve the spectacle, preserve the excitement of the two-a-side start and eliminate some of the problems in the early laps, regardless of the weather conditions at the time.”
“The return to a 10-car battle for pole will be an exciting conclusion to Saturday, with the 10 fastest cars taking to the track at the same time.”
“We can’t wait to welcome teams from around the world and Australia to join us on the Mountain for another incredible race next February.”
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