Supercars to assess new Australian GP date for 2021 calendar plans

Albert Park was set to host the second round of the 2021 Supercars season as part of the Australian GP in its original March slot.

However the postponement of the Australian GP has seen Supercars engage its "flex option" and organise a standalone event at Sandown on the 20-21 March weekend.

That means the calendar retains 12 rounds as planned, although a 13th round at Albert Park isn't out of the question. According to series CEO Sean Seamer, the opportunity to race on the new date will be assessed over this year before making a final call on bolstering the 2021 calendar.

"We are delighted to confirm we will return to Sandown in 2021," Seamer said. "Few circuits demonstrate our history better than Sandown. We'd like to extend our thanks to the Victorian Racing Club for their support and flexibility.

"With regards to the Grand Prix, we will assess the opportunity closer to the time.

"Right now our focus is on the pre-season and first few rounds of the upcoming 2021 Supercars season."

The new Australian GP date falls between what is currently the penultimate round of the season in New Zealand (6-7 November) and the season finale on the Gold Coast (3-5 December).

That leaves the door ajar for a spot on the Australian GP undercard if teams agree to adding a 13th event to the schedule.

On Tuesday, F1 organisers formally announced the postponement of the Australian GP from its original slot due to the ongoing travel restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Chinese GP has also been postponed for the same reason, with a new date yet to be confirmed for the race, while Imola has returned to the F1 calendar for 2021 as a replacement venue.

"It is great news that we have already been able to agree a rescheduled date for the Australian Grand Prix in November and are continuing to work with our Chinese colleagues to find a solution to race there in 2021 if something changes," said new F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali.