With some of the Indian drivers’ international calendar clashing with the i1 Super Series, the organisers of the IPL-style racing league have decided to postpone the inaugural edition to the end of the year. The series was earlier scheduled to begin in Qatar on February 10 with the finale to be held at Greater Noida on April 1.
Karun Chandhok, who will drive at World Endurance Championship, has told the i1 organisers that he would miss the penultimate round in Dubai (on March 17) that clashes with his WEC season-opener at Sebring (USA). Armaan Ebrahim has his IndyLights debut on the same day as i1 finale at the Buddh International Circuit on April 1.
“Not just drivers, even some of the team owners requested us to change the calendar to give them enough time to prepare for the series. Also, they felt that since motorsport was so nascent in the Indian market, it would be better if they spent more time in educating the fans, building the city level support before commencing the series,” said M. Darshan, the CEO of the Machdar Motorsport.
Darshan said the decision of postponing the series was taken with the consent of all stakeholders. “It was conceptualised as a winter series when F1 and other European events go on a break. We were, however, forced to schedule the finale for the first week of April after to the non-availability of Buddh International Circuit due to the elections in Uttar Pradesh. As the drivers voiced their concerns about clashing with their international duties, we had no other choice than postponing till the end of 2012,” he added.
The organisers and team owners are confident that the series will start with a bang. “We are actually relieved. This will give us time to plan our brand strategy, bring in partner sponsors and drum up excitement over the next few months for the Bangalore team,” Arjun Baljee, managing director of Peppermint Hotels chain and Bangalore franchisee owner.
