Motorsport: FIA grants V8 Supercars international status

Six international rounds and 12 in Australia could significantly increase the reach of the V8 Supercars championship after the series was granted a status change. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - V8 Supercars could host up to six international rounds in the future after being granted international status by the FIA.

The decision by world motorsport's governing body last week means the Australian series is now seen as an international category, paving the way for future expansion.

It means V8 Supercars can now compete at up to six international venues and 12 Australasian tracks each year for the next five years.

Currently the series has two overseas stops planned in 2011, the season opener at Abu Dhabi and the Hamilton 400 in New Zealand.

"This is tremendous news for the sport and we thank the FIA for their endorsement and recognition of V8 Supercars as a major international player, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region," V8 Supercars chief executive Martin Whitaker said.

"This gives V8 Supercars flexibility in exploring further expansion of the sport.

"Australia and New Zealand remain our absolute priority in terms of where we race although the new status means we can move forward with confidence when exploring growth outside of Australasia."

Several possible overseas locations have been suggested as future stops for the V8 Supercars, including Singapore, Korea and India though the series has lost its round in Bahrain from 2011 onwards.

- AAP