Following the last minute cancellation of the Indian Grand Prix in Mumbai, due to take place on November 7, the International Offshore Team Association (IOTA) is seeking an alternative venue in an effort to maintain an eight race format
Following the last minute cancellation of the Indian Grand Prix in Mumbai, due to take place on November 7, the International Offshore Team Association (IOTA) is seeking an alternative venue in an effort to maintain an eight race format.
The Indian event, which would have been the first Class I offshore race to be held on the Peninsula, was cancelled due to exceptional circumstances after the Government of Maharashtra together with local institutions were unable to provide the guarantees requested by the Class1 organisers.
“This is a very disappointing situation and we have been placed in an impossible position very late in the day,” said IOTA President, Italian Edoardo Polli. “IOTA has worked tirelessly with the Indian authorities over the last six months and has done everything asked of it. However we were suddenly advised of the unforeseen situation the Government of Maharashtra is facing leaving us with no alternative but to cancel.”
With the dates for the remaining three races in Qatar, Fujairah and Dubai confirmed months ago, the board of IOTA will now investigate all possibilities open to them to find a suitable venue and date to replace Mumbai enabling them to maintain an eight race world championship calendar in 2004.
