Indian WSB round cancelled

THE debut of the Indian WSB round at the end of the season on 17th November has been removed from the 2013 calendar due to safety concerns.

It was also announced that there will be no WSB race at the Buddh International Circuit in 2014 either. Instead, it is intended to become part of the calendar for 2015.

The FIM has announced that: "Owing to operational challenges, Jaypee Sports International Ltd (JPSI) and Dorna World SBK Organization (DWO) have decided to cancel the 2013 WSBK Indian Round that was scheduled to be held at Buddh International Circuit (BIC) on 17 November 2013. 

"JPSI, the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) and the Indian Motorsport Marshals Club (IMMC) are working intensely together to make the Indian round as safe as possible in preparation for 2015." 

FMSCI President Mr. Vicky Chandhok said: “JPSI confirms its interest in going ahead with the race in the future. We look forward to them concluding an arrangement with DWO in order to arrive at a mutually convenient date and to ensure that India has the privilege of hosting a round in the near future."

The Indian round became a logistical nightmare (as well as financial) from the start. This event was originally due to be held in March for the first time, but due to customs regulations consuming more time between races than originally thought and an “insufficient period of time to properly finalise the training of the marshals and medical staff around the racetrack” it had to be moved to the last round and unfortunately has led to the cancellation.

The final round will now be Jerez on 20th October meaning only 14 rounds instead of 15.