Australian F1 Grand Prix race weekend will award Supercars points in 2018

The Supercars race during the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend in Melbourne will award points for the first time next year, having been a non-championship round since 1996.

The change was revealed as the Supercars organisers announced a new six-year deal with the Albert Park circuit organisers.

“This fantastic opportunity to host championship races at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit will further showcase Supercars on the world-stage,” said James Warburton, Supercars CEO.

“I am delighted to say that thanks to the hard work and perseverance of the AGPC, and the foresight of Formula 1, it is now a reality. A championship round and the six-year contract extension through to 2023 will be warmly received by our fans and add a new dimension to the event.”

The Supercars organisers have not yet confirmed which race format will be used next year, with the current featuring four short races.