The skies over Melbourne are promising more than just cloud cover as the 2025 Repco Supercars Championship wraps up on Grand Prix Sunday. The finale, featuring the battle for the Larry Perkins Trophy, is on the brink of turning into a dynamic spectacle due to an unwelcoming weather system headed toward the city. Starting at 10:25 am, Race 7 comes amidst predictions of severe weather changes. Fans and drivers need to brace themselves for a rollercoaster of climatic surprises.
The morning starts under typically cloudy Melbourne weather, but forecasts predict a steep shift as cool, gusty winds roll in, accompanied by heavy showers late morning. Meteorologists warn of rainfall varying between 8mm and 20mm, with a solid chance of thunderstorms looming in the afternoon. Such conditions are bound to bring unpredictability to the track, with strategic planning facing a considerable weather-induced test.
Weather and Tyre Strategy: A High-Stakes Balancing Act
Race day regulations, particularly Rule D17.5, stipulate stringent tyre rules—teams can only switch to wet tyres if the session is deemed wet by the Race Director. Once the grid is set, no tyre changes are allowed, except when shifting between dry and wet settings. This wrinkle adds another layer of complexity to race strategies, forcing teams to walk a tightrope between ambition and caution.
Drivers have mixed feelings about the looming weather. Will Brown, starting from 21st, has locked his hopes on a wet track, saying, "Let’s hope it rains tomorrow, and we will see what we can do." Meanwhile, Bryce Fullwood, who begins the race from the 8th position, remains cautiously optimistic. "There’s going to be some rain, so we will shift focuses and look at that and hopefully we will be able to salvage something good out of that race," he remarked. His teammate, Macauley Jones, acknowledges the chaotic potential of the situation with, "With the weather, it's looking like a rainy day, which will mix it up and potentially cause even more chaos, so we will see how that plays out."
For Anton De Pasquale from Team 18, starting from 9th position, it’s a day filled with possibilities. "Looks like we might get some rain tomorrow, so who knows what’s in store," he mused. Without any scheduled pit stops and a lean pre-race procedure, decisions made from forecasts or daring instincts will undoubtedly dictate the conflict's outcome. As the threat of rain hangs over the track, strategic planning is key, as drivers and teams prepare for what could be one of this championship's most thrilling conclusions.
