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Defending champion Scott McLaughlin expects the "usual suspects" to emerge as threats when racing resumes next week despite drastic Supercars changes.

New-look Supercars season, same old result.

That was two-time defending series champion Scott McLaughlin's ominous prediction before Supercars' return to the track next week, saying the "cream always rises to the top" despite drastic changes.

Organisers have tweaked not only the calendar but also racing formats and rules before the season resumption at Sydney Motorsport Park from June 27-28.

McLaughlin's DJR Team Penske teammate Fabian Coulthard predicted the "most level playing field" in years due to the changes, which include the removal of car sensors and live data gathering for teams.

The calendar has been turned on its head due to the three month coronavirus shutdown.

The remaining 11 rounds provisionally announced for the revamped 2020 campaign - commencing with the TV-only Sydney SuperSprint - will be cut to two days, with the exception of the Bathurst 1000.

However, McLaughlin reckons the contenders will remain the same, saying the "usual suspects" will emerge as threats to his crown.

McLaughlin held a 27-point championship lead over seven-time series champion Jamie Whincup (Triple Eight Race Engineering ) when the season was postponed at the aborted Australian Grand Prix round in mid-March.

"I think you will see your usual suspects, to be honest," McLaughlin said.

"Erebus ( David Reynolds), Chaz (Mostert)... are probably the two that you look at and Tickford as well.

"And we saw what Triple Eight (Whincup) came out with (before racing was postponed).

"Maybe some wildcards will pop up but I don't think much is going to change - the cream always rises to the top."

The Sydney SuperSprint will comprise of three 130km races held over next weekend.

There will be no spectators or support categories at Sydney as part of strict health protocols that will also include staff limits in team garages.

It is the only round in which details have been confirmed, with formats and restrictions for the following events set to be announced this week.

There is speculation organisers will further tweak the calendar with reports the season will end in Sydney in December and not with a round at Bathurst in February next year as originally planned due to "contractual pressures".

McLaughlin said, whatever the schedule, he would be out to make "every event count" on what looks set to be a congested calendar.

"Hopefully we can hit the ground running and continue to build the buffer," he said.