V8 Supercars Executive Chairman, Tony Cochrane, has today annouced the calendar for the 2010 V8 Supercar season with some distinct changes to the traditional format of the calendar.

Major changes include a nine-week mid season break essentially splitting the seasons into two halves as well as the opening 2 rounds being held in the Middle East and surprise provisonal inclusion of a round a Barbagello Raceway in Western Australia.

The earlier start to the season in mid-feburary sees 10 rounds in the first half with a nine week break to the second half stating with two major endurances races in Phillip Island and Bathurst and culmninating at the Sydney Telstra 500.

“The earlier start gave us a great opportunity to tighten up the regularity in which we race, but also give our teams an all-important rest in the middle of the year,” Cochrane said.

“It gives our TV viewers a much needed, more regular viewing pattern.

“The Board and I are extremely happy with the outcome and ecstatic that we have expanded the calendar to 16 events including the non-Championship Australian Grand Prix. We look forward to some further announcements concerning the AGP in the future months.

“It’s great news for the sport and for our teams and with more racing than ever – for our fans!”

Cochrane was excited about the prospect of starting the V8 season in the Middle East and reiterated the championships importance in the international spotlight.

“To add Abu Dhabi and the incredible Yas Marina Circuit is just tremendous. We can’t wait to get to one of the world’s most rapidly expanding regions and economies,” he said.

“That they have been able to work alongside our great friends at Bahrain International Circuit to establish this partnership has been wonderful. It’s a brilliant place, amazing circuit and sensational organisation.”

While announcing the 2010 fixture, Cochrane was still unable to confirm a replacement for the Bahrain round for this year's championship as well confirming both the Perth and Queensland rounds are currently provisional for next year.

“As we have received our sanction fee for this year’s Bahrain event, we are looking to use the replacement round as a charity fund raiser.

“At this stage, until we can confirm our future requirements, both Perth and Queensland Raceway are provisional dates on the 2010 calendar.”

Other major calendar changes include the move of the only Tasmanian round and Sandown rounds to a warmer November timeslot.

The 2010 V8 Supercar Championship Series:

18 – 20 February Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi
25 – 27 February Desert 400, Bahrain International Circuit, Bahrain
11 – 14 March Clipsal 500, Adelaide Parklands, SA#
26 – 28 March Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, VIC
16 – 18 April ITM Hamilton 400, Hamilton, NZ
30 – April 2 May Qld Raceway, QLD#*
14 – 16 May Winton, VIC#
4 – 6 June BigPond 300, Barbagallo, WA*
18 – 20 June SKYCITY Triple Crown, Hidden Valley, NT
9 – 11 July Dunlop Townsville 400, Townsville, QLD#
MID SEASON CHAMPIONSHIP BREAK
10 – 12 Sept L&H 500, Phillip Island, VIC
7 – 10 Oct Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, Mt Panorama, NSW#
21 – 24 Oct SuperGP, Surfers Paradise, QLD
5 – 7 Nov Falken Tasmania Challenge, Symmons Plains, TAS
19 – 21 Nov Norton 360 Sandown Challenge, Sandown, VIC#
3 – 5 Dec Sydney Telstra 500, Homebush, NSW#

* Denotes provisional
# Denotes Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series