2022 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour date confirmed

The Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour event will return in 2022 across February 25-27 at Mount Panorama.

The once-around-the-clock race is generally acknowledged and recognised around the world as one of the most significant races for GT vehicles on the calendar.

The 2020 event was one of the final international events held in Australia prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Famous British brand Bentley took the biggest win in its GT racing history in the 2020 edition.

Millions watched the 2020 race unfold on the Seven Network and Fox Sports around Australia, with millions more tuning in via the event’s international stream.

The 2022 event's new date is three weeks later than the traditional early February date, and three weeks before the provisional weekend announced by SRO Motorsport Group in October.

It ensures the Bathurst 12 Hour retains its February presence which it has held since 2008.

The 12 Hour was first held with local series production cars in 1991. The switch to FIA GT3 regulations in 2011 heralded a new era of manufacturer-backed entrants from around the world.

The 2016 event was also the opening event of the Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli.

Five different manufacturers won in as many seasons between 2016 and 2020.

"The Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour has become a favourite event of the motorsport landscape both in Australia and around the world," Supercars Chief Operating Officer Shane Howard said.

"Being held on Australia’s spiritual motorsport home, Mount Panorama, the race has become one of the most popular on the GT racing calendar and is held in such high esteem by some of the best teams and brands globally.

"The team behind the event will work to offer a memorable experience for those attending trackside and we are very excited to have now locked in a date to bring the event back next February."

Stephane Ratel, SRO Motorsports Group Founder and CEO added: "Bathurst is the championship’s spiritual season opener, has an atmosphere like no other, and is rightly considered one of the world’s great endurance races.

"IGTC’s teams, drivers and manufacturers have undoubtedly played a role in amplifying this status, and I cannot wait to see their return to the mountain in 2022.

"Maintaining the event’s traditional early February date wasn’t an option but after consulting with teams, manufacturers and Supercars it also became apparent that an alternative weekend that month would be preferable to March when the Australian, European and American seasons begin ramping up.

"I think we’ve found a good balance between the two, which also allows us to keep an important element of what makes Bathurst special."

NSW Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said: "The NSW Government is proud to support the Bathurst 12 Hour and welcome race teams back to the track and motorsports fans back to Mount Panorama for what is set to be another thrilling instalment of this iconic race.

"It has been a challenging two years in regional NSW, and we know events like this will help turbocharge our social and economic recovery."

General Manager Bathurst Regional Council David Sherley added: "It’s exciting to begin the countdown to one of Australia’s much-loved motorsports events – the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour.

"Mount Panorama and motor racing have a long association and so do Council and Supercars.

"We look forward to many more years of working together and continuing to promote the 12 Hour, our city and the racing circuit.”

Peter Baumann, Marketing Director Liqui-Moly said: "We are extremely excited to have the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12h back in the calendar in 2022.

"This has become a major international racing event and race teams, sponsors and fans have been waiting for.

"Also for us it’s a signature event in our sports portfolio."

Tickets for next February’s race will go on sale in coming weeks along with information for 2020 holders of trackside, grandstand and campsite bookings.

The 2021 Repco Supercars Championship and Dunlop Series seasons will resume this weekend at the Beaurepaires Sydney SuperNight. Click here to view the race schedule.

Every session of the event will be broadcast live on Foxtel (Fox Sports 506) and streamed on Kayo.

The Seven Network will provide live free to air coverage of the event. Tickets for the event are on sale now.