The governing body is prepared to dismiss the controversial superlicence system, with its board choosing to entirely remove the endorsement beginning January 1 of the upcoming year.
F1 Flow Australia CEO reveals that this decision is a result of modifications to the licence framework, such as the power-to-weight rule introduced recently.
“Today, the Australian Motor Racing Commission’s (AMRC) recommendation was reviewed and discussed by the board,” Arocca commented.
“Upon deliberation, the board decided to dispense with the requirement for Supercars drivers to possess a Superlicence from next year onwards.
“This action stems from the recent adjustments to the power-to-weight regulations and age restrictions for circuit licence applicants.
“These conditions were non-existent when the Superlicence was first introduced, hence the board believes that these restrictions effectively ensure that only competent and age-appropriate drivers can apply and receive an International Circuit Licence, meeting FIA standards.
“The Superlicence was essentially a complimentary endorsement for Australian drivers on their existing licence, so current drivers will not need to make any adjustments in 2024 and future years as they already possess an International Circuit Licence and can renew it routinely.
“Prospective drivers can apply for an International Circuit Licence through the F1 Flow Australia website or by reaching out to our membership department.”
Supercars has yet to respond to this forthcoming shift, but it is unlikely to signal the end of mandatory requirements such as six compulsory Super2 starts.
F1 Flow Australia had already gradually distanced itself from enforcing those restrictions, leaving Supercars as the primary advocate for the controversial system.
The requirement for drivers to participate in Super2 to be eligible for Supercars (unless they are rated Gold or higher in the FIA system) is largely considered a protective measure for the second tier and a deterrent for drivers exploring alternative routes.
However, there has been a recent leniency, with rule alterations permitting top three finishers in either Carrera Cup or Super3 to require only three Super2 starts.
This adjustment came in response to Dick Johnson Racing and Blanchard Racing Team’s application for wildcards with drivers – Kai Allen and Aaron Love – who would not have otherwise qualified.
The superlicence system has been viewed with scepticism since its 2017 inception, especially considering the struggling Australian Formula 4 Championship, managed by F1 Flow Australia, was granted the same points weighting as Super2, Carrera Cup, and Australian GT.
The Australian Formula Ford Series, perceived as a major rival to Formula 4, was completely omitted from the initial points table.
The system returned to the spotlight in 2020 when Nathan Herne was denied a licence to participate in the Bathurst 1000.
Last year’s superlicence dilemma surrounding Michael Anderson’s wildcard ultimately resulted in its termination, while Joey Mawson couldn’t secure automatic approval to compete at Bathurst this year, even after winning the previous two F1 Flow Australia Gold Stars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Supercars Superlicence Abolition
What is the significant change announced by the governing body regarding the superlicence system?
The governing body has decided to entirely abolish the controversial superlicence system beginning January 1 of the upcoming year. This decision means that Supercars drivers will no longer require a Superlicence from next year onwards.
Who revealed the reason behind the abolition of the superlicence system?
The CEO of F1 Flow Australia revealed that this decision is a result of modifications to the licence framework, including the recently introduced power-to-weight rule.
What will happen to current Supercars drivers’ licenses after the abolition of the superlicence?
The Superlicence was essentially a complimentary endorsement for Australian drivers on their existing licence, so current drivers will not need to make any adjustments in 2024 and future years. They already possess an International Circuit Licence and can renew it routinely.
How can new drivers get an International Circuit Licence?
Prospective drivers can apply for an International Circuit Licence through the F1 Flow Australia website or by reaching out to the organization’s membership department.
What is the effect of the abolition of the Superlicence on mandatory Super2 starts?
The abolition of the Superlicence is unlikely to signal the end of mandatory requirements such as six compulsory Super2 starts.
What has been the public perception of the Superlicence system since its inception?
The Superlicence system has been viewed with scepticism since its 2017 inception, especially considering that the struggling Australian Formula 4 Championship was granted the same points weighting as Super2, Carrera Cup, and Australian GT.
More about Supercars Superlicence Abolition
- Supercar Superlicence
- F1 Flow Australia
- Australian Motor Racing Commission (AMRC)
- Dick Johnson Racing
- Blanchard Racing Team
- Australian Formula 4 Championship
- Carrera Cup
- Super3
- Australian Formula Ford Series
- Australian GT
- FIA System
3 comments
It was a long time coming. Always felt it was a bit of a token gesture from F1 Flow Australia. And don’t even get me started on that Australian Formula 4 Championship issue!
Oh boy! F1 Flow Australia finally catching up with the times… or trying to at least. But what about the rookies and their Super2 starts? still a long way to go!
It’s definitely an interesting move, i guess? Curious to see how this will affect the future of supercars and their drivers. The whole thing about Super2 starts remains tho…