Supercars - Melbourne SuperSprint

The Melbourne SuperSprint is a championship round of the Supercars series held at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, Victoria. This v8supercars event runs as a support category for the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and features four races across a full weekend of racing action. The Albert Park Circuit provides a unique street circuit challenge for drivers and teams competing in the 2026 season.

Race Format and Structure

The Melbourne SuperSprint features a four-day format that delivers multiple races. Teams participate in two 30-minute practice sessions to prepare their cars for competition. Four separate 15-minute qualifying sessions determine the starting grids for each race. The first three races each cover 19 laps and 100 kilometers, while the fourth race runs 14 laps and 70 kilometers. All four races award championship points, with race winners earning up to 80 points including bonus points for fastest lap. The driver who scores the most points across all four races receives the Larry Perkins Trophy.

Albert Park Circuit Information

Albert Park Circuit is a street circuit located in Albert Park, Melbourne. The track measures 5.231 kilometers along the racing line and features 16 turns that test driver skill and car setup. The circuit underwent significant changes in 2021, with modifications to seven corners, a widened pit lane, and complete track resurfacing. The lap record stands at 1:44.9418, set by Will Davison in 2022. The circuit can accommodate up to 130,000 spectators per day, with 46,000 grandstand seats available. The only permanent structure is the two-story pit lane building, while all other facilities are erected temporarily each year.

Teams and Competitors

Team Changes for 2026

The 2026 Melbourne SuperSprint will showcase significant changes in the v8supercars field. Triple Eight Race Engineering returns to Ford, running Mustangs in an expanded three-car operation. Walkinshaw TWG Racing switches from Ford Mustangs to Toyota GR Supras. Brad Jones Racing also transitions to Toyota GR Supras. Team 18 becomes the homologation team for Chevrolet, adding variety to the manufacturer lineup.

Driver Lineup

Confirmed drivers for 2026 include Will Brown, Broc Feeney, Chaz Mostert, Ryan Wood, Matt Payne, Kai Allen, Nick Percat, Brodie Kostecki, Andre Heimgartner, Anton De Pasquale, and Cooper Murray. These drivers represent three manufacturers: Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota.

Technical Details

V8supercars use a control chassis with specific body panels that differ between manufacturers. Triple Eight Race Engineering and Dick Johnson Racing homologate the Ford Mustang, while Walkinshaw Andretti United homologates the Toyota GR Supra. Supercars can reach speeds exceeding 300 kilometers per hour on suitable circuits. Teams work with a limited tire allocation across the weekend, and no compulsory pit stops are required, which emphasizes pure racing strategy and driver ability.

History and Background

Supercars Championship events have been held at the Australian Grand Prix since 1985. From 1985 to 2017, the support event was a non-championship race called the Supercars Challenge. The Melbourne SuperSprint gained full championship status in 2018, making it an important round in the season. The event awards the Larry Perkins Trophy to the top-performing driver across the weekend. This trophy was created in collaboration with RMIT University and uses 3D printing technology in its construction.

Access and Broadcasting

Public transport serves as the primary access method for the Albert Park Circuit, with no public parking available at the venue. Anzac Station is located a short walk from Gate 5, and regular tram services connect to Southern Cross Station and Flinders Street Station. Taxi and ride-share pickup points are positioned at various gates around the circuit. The Supercars Championship reaches audiences in 137 countries through its broadcast coverage, making the Melbourne SuperSprint a globally-viewed event.

The Melbourne SuperSprint offers four distinct races at the Albert Park Circuit, providing multiple opportunities for v8supercars competitors to earn championship points. The street circuit layout and multi-race format create varied racing conditions throughout the weekend. This event serves as an important early-season test for teams and drivers in the 2026 championship campaign.