2022 Class Structure, 2023 B12hr date confirmed

A revised class structure and event format has been confirmed today for the 2022 LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour event.

Also confirmed are the dates for next year’s event, with key stakeholders locking the event in for 3-5 February, 2023.

The 2022 edition of the internationally-renowned race, running 13-15 May at Australia’s spiritual home of motorsport, Mount Panorama, will be contested primarily as a Pro-Am affair with one FIA bronze ranking driver required in each car competing in the outright GT3 class.

The decision has been made due to quarantine requirements for competitors from key Asian markets and New Zealand along with the continued global freight challenges that make it difficult for international entrants to bring their full complement of equipment and personnel to this year’s event.

International teams and drivers will continue to be welcomed to this year’s event to challenge the likes of reigning Repco Supercars Championship winner Shane van Gisbergen, who will drive in the highly-rated 2022 Triple Eight Mercedes entry alongside rising star Broc Feeney, and Prince Jefri Ibrahim.

Key manufacturer support for the event will allow the Bathurst 12 Hour to remain the opening round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli.

The LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour will also become the opening round of the 2022 Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia.

This year’s event will feature extra practice for amateur drivers and a qualifying format where an aggregate lap time across multiple drivers in each entry will be recorded.

The amateur driver in each car will be required to set a lap time in qualifying to help determine grid positions.

The Pirelli Top-10 Shootout will remain as in previous years.

The LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour remains a firm favourite event among local fans, with strong interest already evident from those keen to see Australia’s International Enduro return following a two-year absence.

Various campsites are still available across Mount Panorama, while corporate and sponsor interest in the event remains extremely high.

Tickets can be purchased through www.bathurst12hour.com.au and Ticketek.

2022 LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour Class Structure:

Class A: GT3 Pro-AmIf 3 drivers, 2x are Platinum, Gold or Silver and 1x BronzeIf 4 drivers, 2x are Platinum, Gold or Silver and 2x Bronze

Class A: GT3 AmMaximum of 1x Silver driver, the remaining drivers are Bronze

Class B GT3 Trophy Pro-AmMaximum of 1x Silver driver, the remaining drivers are Bronze

_Class B – GT3 Trophy AM_All Bronze

Class C: Porsche GT3 Cup Car

Class D: GT4

Class I: Invitational ClassInvitational Class Cars, ‘GTC’ cars from one-make categories including Ferrari Challenge, Lamborghini Supercup and Audi R8 Cup.

*No driver seeding requirements for Classes C, D and Invitational

QUOTES

SHANE HOWARD - Supercars CEO

“The Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour has traditionally been the launching point for the Australian motorsport season and brings the eyes of the world to Mount Panorama each February.

“We have worked closely with our partners at the Bathurst Regional Council, Destination New South Wales and SRO to secure a return to the traditional February race date next year, giving competitors, supporters and partners long-term confidence moving forward.”

STUART AYRES - NSW Minister for Tourism and Sport

“The NSW Government is proud to support the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour through our tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW and welcome race teams and fans back to Australia’s home of motorsport, Mount Panorama, for what is set to be another thrilling instalment of this iconic race.”

“This is a signature event on the NSW motorsports calendar that provides a great boost to the visitor economy of the Central West, so I appreciate and congratulate the resilience and determination of the event organisers in getting this great race back on track and securing the dates for next year’s event. We will continue to support their efforts to deliver a safe, successful and spectacular event for all competitors and fans.”

ROBERT TAYLOR – Mayor, Bathurst Regional Council

“We look forward to welcoming back international drivers, their teams and supporters to Mount Panorama.

“The Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hour is one of the premiere international endurance challenges attracting world-class entrants.

“The world-wide exposure of the race builds on Mount Panorama’s excellent reputation as one of the world’s finest motor racing circuits and showcases our city to the world.”

STEPHANE RATEL – SRO Motorsports Group Founder and CEO

“Barring situations outside of our control I was determined that Bathurst would return to the Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli calendar in 2022, and this new class structure ensures it can do just that without diminishing the championship or event.

“Factory teams and drivers usually make the headlines but the fact is amateurs and the Pro-Am class are the bedrock of global GT racing. There are also few, if any, races of Bathurst’s international stature where Pro-Am crews are the stars of the show. But that won’t be the case in May when some of the world’s best amateurs have a chance to win one of motorsport’s great endurance events. It feels like a genuine throwback to previous 12 Hours and GT racing generally of old.

“I’m also happy to see the race returning to its traditional early February date in 2023. Our only other option this year would have been to cancel the event, which neither SRO nor Supercars were willing to do. Equally, staging it in May isn’t compatible with European programmes. We’ve found a smart solution for this year but are also looking forward to seeing Bathurst fully living up to its status as Australia’s International Enduro next season.”

KEN COLLIER - Category Manager, Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS

“It makes all the sense in the world that Australia’s biggest GT race is part of the GT World Challenge Australia Endurance Championship and we’ve been pleased to work with our partners at SRO and the Bathurst 12 Hour team to make it happen this year.

“It works for our competitors who will enjoy a hallmark event on the calendar and one of the most iconic GT races in the world, and it works for the Bathurst 12 Hour to work with GT World Challenge Australia to support and grow the sport here.

“We share a mutual partner in SRO who shares the passion for growing GT3 racing in this part of the world that we all do, and this is a move that will support that - not just this year but moving forward.

“We are looking forward to another Bathurst classic this May that will also serve as an exciting kick-off to the 2022 GT World Challenge Australia Endurance Championship.”

PAUL MARTIN - Bathurst 12 Hour Motorsport Operations Manager

“With the support of key event stakeholders, we have come together to create a plan that ensures the race and event can proceed in the strongest possible fashion.

“This year’s event will have an increased focus on the domestic GT market, while continuing to be one of the most popular and highly regarded international endurance races on the global calendar.

“Combined with the regular influx of talent from Supercars and key driving talent from overseas, it will see the event continue to provide the great spectacle it always has while also adapting to the current challenging landscape for international events.

“We’re thrilled to be able to confirm the dates for next year’s event. This allows all international and domestic competitors to circle the date in their calendar and begin planning for their 2023 trip to Mount Panorama.”