Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh have forced the i1 Super Series organisers to revise their inaugural calendar as the much-awaited racing league begins at Losail International Circuit, Doha, on February 10.
The series was scheduled to start at Sepang (Malaysia) on January 22. The finale of the five-round series will be held at the Buddh International Circuit, Greater Noida, on April 1.
M. Darshan, CEO of Machdar Motorsports, said the Buddh International Circuit was instructed by the Noida district administration that they can’t host any public events around the dates of the elections.
“It is unfortunate that we have to postpone the start of our inaugural season but since the Indian race is central to the interests of team owners and sponsors, we had to rework the entire race calendar. We have spoken to the team owners and our partners and they are totally behind this move. Due to clashing dates we have had to replace Sepang, Malaysia with the Dubai Autodrome. We are confident that the i1 Supercar Series will play a big role in developing young talent in the country and we look forward to the start of the season now,” added Darshan.
Calendar: 1. Losail International Circuit (Doha, Qatar) February 10 & 11; 2. Bahrain International Circuit February 24 & 25; 3. Yas Marina Circuit (Abu Dhabi) March 9 & 10; 4. Dubai Autodrome March 16 & 17; 5. Buddh International Circuit March 31 & April 1.