Reigning FIA Formula 1 World Champions Oracle Red Bull Racing will run its title-winning, V8-powered RB7 at Mount Panorama next year as part of the 2023 LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour's support package.
The same car that dominated the 2011 manufacturers' and drivers' championships is sure to be a highlight of the Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli season opener, which takes place on February 3-5.
As well as demo runs over the mountain, the team and car will be accessible to the public via their location in the Bathurst 12 Hour paddock, which is free to access for all event ticket holders.
The driver to pilot the Oracle Red Bull Racing Formula 1 Car will be announced in the new year.
It was raced in period by Sebastian Vettel and Aussie favourite Mark Webber who collectively won 12 of the 2011 season's 19 grands prix.
But it won't be the first time that a modern F1 car has tackled Mount Panorama: Jenson Button and Craig Lowndes drove a McLaren MP4-23 there in 2011. Button recorded a 1m48.8s, unofficially the fastest lap ever around the circuit and 10 seconds quicker than Chris Mies managed in an unrestricted GT3 car. The 2m01.567s set by Shane van Gisbergen in 2016 remains the Bathurst 12 Hour's benchmark.
Bathurst 12 Hour event director Shane Rudzis said: “Oracle Red Bull Racing are the current Formula 1 World Champions: Just to have them at the event is a privilege, but to know that the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 car will be lapping Mount Panorama will be something else.
“This will be a spectacle like nothing we’ve seen at the 12 Hour before and takes the event to an entirely new level.
“This will be the best opportunity in 2023 for Australian F1 fans to get up close and personal with F1 machinery and an even rarer opportunity to see a Formula 1 car lap Mount Panorama.”
Further details regarding the on-track schedule and off-track activation surrounding the Red Bull Formula 1 team's presence will also be announced early in 2023.
The LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour is supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
Tickets can be purchased at Ticketek via www.bathurst12hour.com.au.