Keeping V8s format is wrong, says Courtney

V8 Supercars star James Courtney says the decision to keep the current Supersprint format is wrong, but knows they've got their hands tied by contracts.

The UBET Perth SuperSprint.

V8 Supercars hasn't ruled out scrapping its maligned Supersprint format this season. (AAP)

V8 Supercars fans want to see more on-track action but keeping the twin-race format on Saturday is the wrong way to go, says Holden veteran James Courtney.

The V8s commission held a specially-convened meeting before practice at Winton Raceway on Friday amid criticism of its Supersprint formula from a number of drivers at the previous round in Perth.

Most events on this year's calendar combine two short 60km sprints on Saturday with a longer race - featuring pitstops - on Sunday.

The commission decided against any immediate changes to the format, but did not entirely shut the door on the idea.

Courtney said keeping it as is was "wrong" but knows the sport has its hands tied because of its contractual obligations.

"For me, I think it's definitely wrong," the 34-year-old said.

"I think everyone knows it, everyone's saying it, and fans are asking for something different.

"But a lot of people don't know about what goes on behind the scenes - there's a lot of contracts and deals in place with, not only television, but promoters and all the sponsors.

"So, contractually, we're obliged to continue doing this. I don't think it's an issue of Supercars not wanting to do it."

Ford's Chaz Mostert, who was quickest in practice on Friday, agreed.

"The general talk around the paddock from fans is they want to see longer races and obviously more passing moves," he said.

"If they can't really change the 60km race, maybe they can look at putting on a softer tyre - I think that always makes it a little bit more exciting for passing and stuff like that."

Nissan driver James Moffat, in his fifth year in the championship, said he preferred the format of 2011 and 2012, when a 120km race was run on Saturday and a 200km feature on Sunday.

"At the end of the day ... it is what it is. You have to race to the formats," he said.

"Probably not too many people in this room are going to like it, but we've just got to deal with it."

The commission on Friday announced it was allocating an extra set of practice tyres to each car for the season's remaining Supersprint events, as well as the Townsville 400.

Previously, teams could only draw on a bank of used tyres for Friday sessions.

The move will help give teams and fans a better idea of what to expect in qualifying on Saturday, said V8s director of competition Damien White.


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Source: AAP


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