2013 WSBK motorcycle race at the BIC cancelled

In what seems like a double whammy for motorsport fans in the country, the Indian leg of the 2013 WSBK motorcycle race has been cancelled. This race was scheduled to be held at the Buddh International Circuit on the 17th of November, 2013, closely following the Indian Formula1 Grand Prix. Now though, the motorcycle stands cancelled, with Federation De Internationale Motorcyclisme (FIM), the apex governing body of motorcycle racing events in the world, stating that the race has been cancelled due to "operational challenges". 

Usually, the phrase "operational challenges" is used to describe a circuit not meeting the prescribed level of safety standards/safety logistics required for a motorsport event. The official press statement issued by FIM goes on to add the following lines, 

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.

In light of this statement, it is clear that the WSBK race will not be held in 2014 as well, with 2015 being a possible time line for the first WSBK race to be held at the BIC, subject to the circuit meeting safety requirements. This is the second setback for JPSI, the owners of the Buddh International Circuit and the promoters of the various motorsport events held there. Weeks ago, the FIA announced that the 2014 edition of the Indian F1 Grand Prix will not be held in 2014 due to a multitude of issues. However, this year's F1 race will take place on schedule and the tickets for the same have already gone on sale.  

With the WSBK motorcycle race being cancelled for 2013 and 2014, JPSI's plans of bringing another premier motorcycle racing event, the MotoGP, to India might be in the doldrums. The Buddh International Circuit, was constructed as a part of the Jaypee Group's sporting complex that also hosts other sports facilities such as a cricket stadium and a tennis academy. Built a cost of 2,000 crore rupees, on 2,500 acres of land, the Buddh International Circuit's viability remains in question given the spate of cancellations of events for which the circuit was originally constructed.