As the 2013 World Superbike Championship breaks for the summer, some disconcerting news has arrived out of India.
On Wednesday, the FIM reported that the debut 2013 World SBK round at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) originally scheduled for Nov. 17 has been canceled due to “operational challenges.” There are now five out of 14 rounds remaining on the 2013 WSBK calendar.
The joint decision to cancel the WSBK round arrived from Jaypee Sports International Ltd (JPSI) and Dorna World SBK Organization (DWO).
The FIM reports that 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.
As a starting point, the BIC will play host to both the FMSCI 2-wheeler and 4-wheeler National Championship races Sept. 13-14 with fully trained IMMC Marshals officiating at the venue. JPSI has conveyed this to DWO, who appreciate the efforts being made to make it possible to host a round at some time in the future.
Vicky Chandhok (FMSCI President) says: “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.”
Following is the revamped 2013 World Superbike schedule:
- February 24: Phillip Island, Australia
- April 14: Aragon, Spain
- April 28: Assen, The Netherlands
- May 12: Monza, Italy
- May 26: Donington, United Kingdom
- June 9: Portimao, Portugal
- June 30: Imola, Italy
- July 21: Moscow Raceway, Russia
- August 4: Silverstone, UK
- September 1: Nurburgring, Germany
- September 15: Istanbul, Turkey
- September 29: Laguna Seca, USA
- October 6: Magny-Cours, France
- October 20: Jerez, Spain