'Major' Bathurst changes coming after back-breaking crash
"Major" changes will be made to the way marshals control the Mount Panorama circuit after recommendations from an investigation into the massive crash in the Bathurst 12 were accepted.
February's round-the-clock classic was red-flagged for more than an hour after the race-leading Mercedes of Ralf Aron crashed into a stationary Porsche at the entry to Forrest's Elbow.
The Porsche had been stopped at the corner for more than 30 seconds before the crash happened. Criticisms of the way the situation unfolded were levelled at race control for not either deploying the safety car or red flag.
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Aron crawled from the car under his own steam and was later taken to Orange Hospital, where he was confirmed to have broken his back.
Following a formal request from Aron's Craft-Bamboo team, as well as criticism from other drivers, Motorsport Australia launched a review, the findings and recommendations of which were presented at a meeting of its Risk and Safety Committee on Tuesday night.
"The major things are around how the double yellows are mirrored across the top of the mountain if an incident occurs, which we think will give the drivers much more notice that something has occurred," Motorsport Australia chief executive Josh Blanksby told Speedcafe.
The changes will be immediately implemented, with this weekend's traditional Easter weekend Bathurst 6 hour the first race meeting to use the changes. They will also be used for October's Bathurst 1000.
The Porsche was stopped only metres past a marshal post. While double-yellow flags were being waved at that post, the 'mirroring' means the post beforehand will now be required to also wave double-yellow flags, which will give drivers several hundred metres of extra notice.
Drivers will also be required to undertake an online refresher course before being allowed to take to the track this weekend.
Meanwhile, Motorsport Australia confirmed it was "in discussions with relevant industry bodies" in regards to the unfolding fuel crisis.
Supercars uses a blend of 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent bio gasoline from waster materials. The fuel is specifically made for the category and isn't commercially available. The category last week confirmed there were no supply concerns at least in the short term.
However, lower-levels of motorsport - including competitors in the Bathurst 6-hour - use fuel derived from commercial unleaded fuel. The increased prices at the bowser are expected to heavily impact both transport and the cost of volunteer marshals to get to events.
Supercars also has long-haul trips to Darwin, Perth and Townsville following the New Zealand double-header.







