Every year when the Formula One circus makes its way Down Under for the season opening round at the Australian Grand Prix, fans are treated to double the action with the Supercars Championship acting as a support event.

While they are major players over the course of the weekend, the teams and drivers do not score any championship points for their efforts, until now.

It has just been confirmed that from the 2018 season onwards, the races held at the Australian Formula One Grand Prix will contribute to the season points wise as their contract to race alongside the F1 drivers is extended until the 2023 season.

“This fantastic opportunity to host championship races at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit will further showcase Supercars on the world-stage,” Supercars CEO James Warburton was quoted as saying on the sports official website.

“I am delighted to say that thanks to the hard work and perseverance of the AGPC, and the foresight of Formula 1, it is now a reality. A championship round and the six-year contract extension through to 2023 will be warmly received by our fans and add a new dimension to the event.”

The new deal is said to have had the go ahead thanks to the takeover of F1 by Liberty Media.