Supercars changes centre of gravity of Mustang/Commodore for parity

Teams were told earlier this week that the Fords and Holdens were likely to be subject to a centre of gravity change in the form of a mandated roof line ballast.

An alteration to the ballast requirements for those two models has now been confirmed by the series, with swift approval by the Supercars Commission meaning revised ballast figures will be in place in time for next week's Symmons Plains round.

Details of the new ballast rules, including specific weights and location, have not been disclosed.

Autosport understands the original figures given to teams were 30kg for the Mustang and 6kg for the Commodore, but sources indicated those numbers were likely to shift before being finalised.

The changes do not affect the Nissan Altima.

A statement from Supercars said all models from each manufacturer will be given the same ballast requirement, making it a technical parity ruling rather than a bid to provide sporting parity.

"Supercars does not pursue sporting parity, which seeks the equalisation of the abilities of participating drivers and or teams," read the statement.

It continued: "On presentation of the Mustang at Adelaide, the Supercars technical department recorded a significant increase in ballast as compared to the previous model, the Ford Falcon.

"To ensure competing teams did not have a technical advantage, the technical department, on instruction of the Commission, conducted centre of gravity testing on March 18 and 19 in Melbourne.

"The results of the tests show that the Commodore and the Mustang had a centre of gravity advantage over the Altima.

"These results have been reviewed by the Commission and the homologation teams along with plans to address with the appropriate ballasting of the Commodore and the Mustang to maintain technical parity.

"The same and equal change is being made to all models. That is to say, there is no change in relative performance between teams using the same model of vehicle, only a redressing of the technical differences between the models in accordance with Supercars' constitution."

Supercars CEO Sean Seamer confirmed no breaches of the technical regulations were made by any teams despite the centre of gravity change.

"The success of Supercars is built on the closeness and spirit of competition. Like the ZB before it, the Mustang has advanced build techniques and technology," he said.

"All three homologated vehicles have been built within the rules.

"The Supercars championship is underpinned by technical parity. That is, the sport seeks to minimise any technical differences between models of vehicle in the spirit of equitable competition.

"I compliment the manufacturers, homologating teams and the Commission for their positive approach to supporting technical parity across all models."

DJR Team Penske has already been forced to make changes to its Mustang, removing an unusually heavy exhaust before the Albert Park round.

The Mustang has won all six races so far this season - with Penske's Scott McLaughlin claiming five and Tickford driver Chaz Mostert securing the other.