Overview: Bathurst 1000 returns to Mount Panorama
The Bathurst 1000 remains one of Australia’s premier motorsport events, drawing fans from around the world to Mount Panorama. The 2025 edition promises another dramatic showdown on the iconic 6.213-kilometre circuit, with the traditional 161-lap format offering a total distance of 1,000.29 kilometres. Here’s everything you need to know to tune in and soak up the atmosphere as the race approaches.
What time does the Bathurst 1000 start in 2025?
The race is scheduled to start at 10:45am AEDT. Here are local kick-off times for various Australian regions:
– Northern Territory: 9:15am ACST
– Queensland: 9:45am AEST
– South Australia: 10:15am ACDT
– New South Wales: 10:45am AEDT
– ACT: 10:45am AEDT
– Victoria: 10:45am AEDT
– Tasmania: 10:45am AEDT
– Western Australia: 7:45am AWST
How to watch the Bathurst 1000
Australian viewers have multiple options to enjoy the race live:
– Foxtel Criterion channels and Kayo will broadcast comprehensive coverage of Bathurst 1000 weekend action, including race day.
– Free-to-air coverage will be provided by Channel Seven, bringing the main race to a broad audience.
– ABC Sport offers a live blog from 9am AEDT, perfect for fans who want real-time commentary and updates alongside video coverage.
To catch every moment, fans can select Foxtel and Kayo for the most expansive coverage, or watch on Channel Seven if you prefer free-to-air access. An in-depth live blog on ABC Sport complements the broadcast with up-to-the-minute insights, standings, and sector-by-sector updates.
What to expect on race day: weather and track conditions
Forecasts point to a potential mix of sun and showers on race day, with the Bureau of Meteorology highlighting a very high chance of rain in the afternoon and early evening. Expect a narrow window of dry racing in the morning, followed by gradual shower activity that could impact strategy, tyre wear, and safety car deployment. Temperatures are likely to range from the high teens to the mid-twenties Celsius, creating variable grip levels on Mount Panorama’s famous Conrod Straight and the mountain section.
Mount Panorama: track facts you should know
Mount Panorama sits on a 6.213-kilometre road circuit that climbs 174 metres from pit straight to the top of the mountain. The track’s most technical section is the mountain itself, with Conrod Straight providing blistering speed and a critical passing zone. The race distance of 1,000.29 kilometres over 161 laps rewards consistency, pit strategy, and the ability to manage the mountain’s signature elevation changes over the race’s duration.
Recent history and current contenders
In 2024, Brodie Kostecki and Todd Hazelwood claimed their first Bathurst 1000 victory for Erebus Motorsport, delivering a record-fast race time of 5:58:03 and an average speed of 163.48 km/h. They benefited from a near-flawless run with only one safety car for most of the event, underscoring how every factor from pole position to pace management interacts on Bathurst day.
For the 2025 edition, the title battle is led by Broc Feeney (Chevrolet, #88) who sits atop the standings with a string of poles and wins. Feeney’s Red Bull Ampol Racing squad, partnered with Jamie Whincup, headlines a field that includes strong challengers from Ford and Holden/Chevrolet combinations. Pole position in 2025 has been secured by Kostecki again, continuing a recent trend where pole sitters have a mixed record of converting to victory over the past decade.
Tips for fans heading to Bathurst or watching from home
- Plan for variable weather: bring rain gear and warm layers for early morning and late-afternoon cool-downs.
- If watching live at home, set reminders for the start and key safety cars or pit stops to avoid missing pivotal moments.
- Keep an eye on ABC Sport’s live blog for real-time updates that complement the broadcast feed.
Key takeaway
The 2025 Bathurst 1000 promises high-speed drama on Mount Panorama, with a familiar mix of strategic pit windows, weather-driven decisions, and a field aiming to dethrone the recent champions. Whether you’re tuning in on Foxtel, Kayo, Channel Seven, or following ABC Sport’s live blog, the Great Race at Bathurst is set to deliver another memorable chapter in Australian motorsport history.
