Having featured on the calendar in 2022, Red Bull Ring makes a return in 2023 with drivers set to tackle the 10 corner 4.318km circuit on the 19th of July for 60 laps of close quarters racing.

Originally founded as Österreichring, it was built as a replacement for the Zeltweg Airfield Circuit in 1969. Situated in the Styrian Mountains, The Österreichring Circuit visually was one of the most spectacular & challenging circuits for drivers, providing fast flowing sweeping corners, consisting of elevation changes throughout the lap.

Österreichring would host the Austrian Gran Prix from 1970 through to 1987, before being shorted, rebuilt & re named to the A1-Ring, hosting the Austrian Grand Prix from 1997 to 2003.

When Formula One outgrew the Österreichring circuit, plans where drawn up to extend the layout. Multiple Parts of the circuit, including the pit lane section & main grandstand, were demolished. Construction work was eventually halted & the circuit remained unusable for several years before it was purchased by Red Bull's Dietrich Mateschitz, rebuilt and reopened on 15 May 2011 before re establishing itself on the Formula One calendar in 2014.

With V8 thunder set to light up the Red Bull Ring virtually for a second consecutive year, all eyes will be fixed on the championship battle that has evolved over the course of the 2023 Motorsport Australia Logitech G Pro Invitational Cup.

Trans Tasman Racing’s Jake Burton is the man drivers are chasing, currently leading the championship after an entertaining victory at the Watkins Glen Sprint. Burton’s emphatic victory sees him 24 points in the clear of James Scott heading into the 6th round of the championship.

For James Scott, a strategy blunder for Synergy Sim Racing at Watkins Glen saw the driver of the #088 Commodore forced to salvage a top 10 result after dominating the early stages of the race. With this in mind, Synergy Sim Racing & James Scott will look for a mistake free race with hopes of standing on the top step at the conclusion of the 60 lap event.

It won’t come easy for either driver though, as you can never discount Madison Down. Only 38 points back, Down has been on the claw back since a difficult round or Phillip Island, which saw the Trans Tasman Racing stalwart off the circuit through turn 12, ending what looked like a positive night for the #77 Commodore. Now back on track with strong results, Madison will definitely be looking to make a dent in the points deficit at the Red Bull Ring.

Although these 3 drivers are leading the title fight, it’s hard to discount Jarrad Filsell. A season of what could of been, Filsell has nothing to loose for the remainder of the championship, a podium in 2022 at this very event firmly putting him in the conversation for top honours in 2023.

It’s fair to note a number of drivers who are showing a turn of speed at the currently, drivers such as Bradley Rattew, Thomas Freeman & Dylan Rudd all showing they have the potential to get amongst the action at the front of the field.

Another talking point is the form of Jordan Ross. The SSR driver suffering from difficulties throughout his 2023 campaign to date. Ross will look to turn things around at Red Bull Ring, the same circuit he scored his only podium in the 2022 championship.

It’s fair to say, July 19 will provide another action packed round of racing as drivers search for results as the season begins to take shape.

Who will come out on top at Red Bull Ring? Will it be Jake Burton? James Scott? Or will the likes of Madison Down or Jarrad Filsell deliver a blow to the championship fight?