In yet another blow to Indian motorsport fans, the World Superbike Championship round which was scheduled to be hosted at the Buddh International Circuit on 17 November has been cancelled according to a statement from the FIM - the world governing body for two-wheeler racing.
The Greater Noida venue was originally supposed to host the second round of the 2013 season in March but it was postponed to Novemeber in order to 'let the circuit prepare for its first international bike race along with training of marshals and medical staff', according to an FIM release.
This time around, 'operational challenges' has been cited as the reason for cancellation, and it has been made clear that India is unlikely to host a WSBK round before 2015. Along with the omission of the F1 Indian Grand Prix from the 2014 calendar, it is now likely that India will not host any world championship level race next year.
FMSCI President 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 Dorna (WSBK rights holder) 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."
In order to prepare the marshals and other facilities, BIC will play host to both the FMSCI 2-wheeler and 4-wheeler National Championship races on 13-14 September.
Unnatee Gidithuri
Stephen Raj Antony
