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- Supercars said earlier this month it planned to return to Queensland Raceway in August
- Series needs to stage 12 events this season to meet broadcast agreement
- Races in Albert Park, Melbourne and Adelaide already cancelled
The Queensland Raceway round of the Supercars touring car championship could face a two-week delay, according to Motorsport.com.
With strict Covid-19 restrictions in the series' home nation of Australia, the Supercars calendar has undergone various changes to ensure it can run the 12 races required to meet the conditions of its broadcast agreement with Fox.
Rounds in Albert Park, Melbourne and Adelaide were postponed indefinitely or cancelled due to Australia's strict border controls between states and territories, making travel for teams and the series challenging. Additionally, the round in New Zealand is not expected to take place in 2021.
Supercars confirmed earlier this month that it was in talks to return to Queensland Raceway this season, with plans to hold a two-day, three-race event across 21st and 22nd August.
However, the reported two-week delay would mean that the Queensland-based round would take place on 4th and 5th September at the Ipswich track.
The delay could benefit the six Melbourne-based teams, as a potential reopened border between Queensland and Victoria would allow for easier travel. Current Covid-19 restrictions in Victoria are set to be loosened as the state gets a recent outbreak under control.
However, an increase in cases in Sydney, New South Wales means that travel could be difficult for Brad Jones Racing, a team based in the south of the state.
Motorsport.com’s report adds that other calendar changes include a possible double-header in Winton, Victoria and Phillip Island later this year, while the fate of the round in Perth and the Bathurst 1000 are uncertain at this stage.