This week, 9ine 5ive SimSports Co driver Griffin Gardiner takes us for a look through the Mount Panorama Circuit, explaining the key to maximising performance around the difficult & demanding race track.

Griffin Gardiner’s “5 key points” presented by Panta Racing Fuels Australia.

Saturday

Saturday Qualifying at Bathurst is one of the biggest moments of the year. With 1000km the next day it can seem insignificant at times but with multiple mid pack incidents being common in the first part of the race, qualifying at the front is important.

Strategy

After the green flag drops, strategy will immediately come into play, with teams trying to execute their plans around safety cars and other teams. Late race safety cars are expected at Bathurst so teams will have to decide whether track position or fresh rubber with 15 to go is superior.

Co Drivers

As seen at Sandown, having a fast and consistent teammate is a big advantage. Consistency being the more important factor for bathurst, with Co Drivers generally expected to start the race and follow up in the middle part of the 1000km. Keeping it clean and maintaining position is a minimum standard for the Co Drivers but a few extra spots towards the front early on could make all the difference by lap 161.

Across the Top

The top of the hill at Bathurst is the most difficult section of the track and also happens to be the setup for overtakes at forest elbow, down conrod and into the chase. Drivers will be squeezing every hundredth of pace out of their cars whilst trying to stay off the fence, ultimately setting up passes or making time in clean air. This section is the key at Bathurst.

Pace

With a 161 lap race, a lot can happen, safety cars, pitstop errors, technical issues etc. The one thing in control of the teams and drivers, is pace. No matter how clean and mistake free you are all day, being at the front of the pack with 15 to go, with a car that has pace, will be the winning formula.

Which of these 5 key points do you think is the most important?