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Supercars drivers welcome 2020 changes

Seven-time Supercars winner Jamie Whincup wants to see downforce significantly reduced next season to give fans more competitive races.

Rules changes in 2020 include downforce being reduced by around 15 per cent after DJR Team Penkse won 20 of 32 races this season.

Triple Eight star Whincup won five races in 2019, including the season-ending Newcastle 500 on Sunday, but wants an even bigger downforce reduction next year.

“The numbers getting thrown around at the moment aren’t probably as high as what we’d like, we’d like to see a little bit more aero ripped off the cars,” Whincup said.

“But you’ve got to be a bit careful, there are a lot of factors, you’ve got to make sure you don’t do 320kph down the straight at Bathurst.”

There were several rule changes implemented throughout the year after DJR Team Penske dominated the first half of the season.

Engine rebuilds will also be capped at three per season next year and there will be modifications to shock absorbers.

“Everyone is asking me, will it suit the Holden? Will it suit the Ford? To be honest it’s going to be a really good change for the category because it’s not going to favour anyone individually,” Whincup said.

“I’ve been really encouraged with Supercars this year on how we’ve moved forward from the start of the year to now, it feels like we’ve come leaps and bounds forward.

“I think we’re in for a really good season next year.”

Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin won a season-record 18 races this season and is chasing a threepeat next year, but admitted the changes were necessary.

“I say we come back with a better product for the fans because at the end of the day we’re in the entertainment business,” McLaughlin said.

“We’re an entertainment sport and not being able to pass makes that hard.

“So we’ll reduce the downforce and everyone comes back with a car that is easier to race it’s going to be a better product for us all.

“I’m looking forward to next year. It’ll be fun.”

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