WSBK Cancels Round at India’s Buddh International Circuit

Wed, 14 Aug 2013

The 2013 World Superbike Championship season will end about a month earlier than scheduled, with the cancellation of the Nov. 17 round at India’s Buddh International Circuit.

The Indian round had already been moved from its originally scheduled date of March 10 but the extra few months do not appear to be enough to get the circuit ready to host WSBK in November.

In fact, India may also be absent from the 2014 calendar as well, with the official announcement from the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) and series promoter Dorna mentions the circuit making preparations for 2015 instead. Promoter Jaypee Sports International signed a four-year deal to host the WSBK championship in June 2012 but it now looks like the first two years of the deal will pass without Buddh International Circuit hosting a round.

The official announcement was vague on the reasons for the decision, citing “operational challenges”. These likely refer to the logistical issues and costs of transporting every team and their equipment and racebikes to India. The Formula One World Championship recently removed Buddh International Circuit from its 2014 calendar due to logistical problems.

Safety may have been the bigger concern, as the official announcement points out the efforts of Jaypee Sports International, the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) and the Indian Motorsport Marshals Club (IMMC) to improve safety.

Buddh International Circuit will host the FMSCI’s two- and four-wheeled national championship races Sept. 13-14, with the announcement noting the event will have fully-trained IMMC marshals officiating.

“JPSI has conveyed this to [Dorna], who appreciate the efforts being made to make it possible to host a round at some time in the future,” the official statement reads.

When that “future” will take place however remains in question.

“JPSI confirms its interest in going ahead with the race in the future. We look forward to them concluding an arrangement with [Dorna] 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 statement reads.

Updated 2013 WSBK Calendar:

February 24 – Australia – Phillip Island (No Superstock) April 14 – Spain – Aragon April 28 – The Netherlands – Assen May 12 – Italy – Monza May 26 – U.K. – Donington (No Superstock) June 9 – Portugal – Portimao June 30 – Italy – Imola July 21 – Russia – Moscow Raceway August 4 – U.K. – Silverstone September 1 – Germany – Nurburgring September 15 – Turkey – Istanbul September 29 – U.S.A. – Laguna Seca (No World Supersport or Superstock) October 6 – France – Magny Cours October 20 – Spain – Jerez

[Source: FIM]

By Dennis Chung