i1 Series rescheduled due to polls

The inaugural i1 Supercar Series, originally to commence this month, has been rescheduled and will now be held between Feb 10 and April 1, according to a press release from the promoters Machdar Motorsports.

The release stated that the city-based franchise team series was postponed in view of assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh where the Formula One Buddh International Circuit is located. The BIC was central to the series.

The first round of the series will now be held in Doha, Qatar on Feb 10-11, followed by races in Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and India.

The last race of the series will be held at the Buddh International Circuit March 31-April 1, the release added.

Speaking on the development, Darshan M, CEO, Machdar Motorsports, said: “Due to the polls in Uttar Pradesh, the Buddh International Circuit was instructed by the district administration that they cannot 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, Malaysiam 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.”

Machdar Motorsports recently launched the Series at Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi by unveiling a list of international and Indian drivers including 1997 Formula One World champion Jacques Villeneuve, Giancarlo Fisichella, Vitantonio Liuzzi and Karun Chandhok, amongst others.

The fresh dates are: Doha (Feb 10-11), Bahrain (Feb 24-25), Abu Dhabi (March 9-10), Dubai (March 16-17) and Delhi (March 31-April 1).