CHANGES to the Motorsport Australia-approved Sporting regulations for the 2024 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship are expected to change up the on-track product for the better in 2024.

A modified qualifying format and revised grid determination for the three races at each round will change the way events unfold at each of the eight rounds this year, while giving drivers better opportunities to continue to compete at the front should they have a bad result in an early weekend race.

This year TAG Heuer qualifying will be contested in one, 30-minute session at each round.

This will allow for all cars to maximize track time and use their full allocation of two sets of Michelin Tyres should they wish.

It will also aid track density and allow SP Tools Pro-Am competitors, should they time their qualifying runs well, more track time and laps to set their respective starting positions.

Qualifying will also now directly influence the grid for two races this year, rather than just the first race of any given round, adding to its importance and prominence in the weekend schedule.

The driver with the quickest overall time in qualifying in each class will score the TAG Heuer Pole Position award, one bonus championship point and start from pole position – outright or in their class – for Race 1 at each round.

Meanwhile, the second quickest lap from each driver in qualifying will then set the grid for Race 2.

The grid for Race 3 will then be decided based on the combined points from races one and two across the round.

The change to the grid determination is designed to not only mirror international formats used in one-make Porsche racing around the world, but also offer competitors a chance to rebound should they endure a poor first or second race at any round – something that would not have had in the previous ‘progressive grid’ format.

A further change comes in the points allocation following the opening three rounds of the 2024 championship.

Drivers who have not contested any of the first three rounds – at the Australian Grand Prix, Taupo and Darwin, respectively – will not score points should they contest any of the final five events of the season.

While one-off or part time drivers can still compete for race and round victories, they will not score points towards the overall championship.

The new format will be put to the test this weekend at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park, in Melbourne, which hosts the opening round of the 2024 championship.