This follows Supercars' approval of Tickford Racing’s request to use a composite roof and bonnet and Nissan’s submission for a composite roof.

The requests follow the introduction of the new ZB Holden Commodore, which features a variety of carbon-fibre components, including its roof and rear firewall.

The new Holden, which is said to require 40kg ballast to meet the minimum weight limit, was highly impressive on debut, scoring consecutive pole positions and race wins in Adelaide.

Supercars confirmed the approval of the changes via a brief statement:

“The process for a team to change a panel or part is to be approved by the Sporting and Technical Director [David Stuart],” read the statement.

“The homologation team for that manufacturer’s model must formally request the change, after which it will be assessed in line with the rules and regulations of the sport, ensuring there is no compromise in safety or competition parity.

“Once approved the teams using that manufacturer’s model can implement the change for competition.”

The four Nissans will race this weekend with the roof update, while rival Ford teams Tickford and Shell V-Power Racing have joined forces to produce panels in time – Tickford will make the roof panels while Shell V-Power Racing will be responsible for the bonnets.

Given the time constraints, only driver car from each Ford team, Mark Winterbottom and Fabian Coulthard respectively, will run the new bonnets.