World Superbike Championship coming to India in 2013

With MotoGP coming to India next year, things seem to be on the rise for Indian motorsports as confirmation has now come in of the eni World Superbike Championship to host a round on March 9-10 in 2013 as well. The news comes after Infront Motor Sports and the Buddh International Circuit signed an agreement to host a round of the FIM World Superbike Championship for four years from 2013 to 2016. Infront had in fact met with the race organizers, Jaypee Sports International (JPSI) in 2011 even before the inaugural Formula 1 race and when the track was under construction.

Speaking about the agreement, Mr. Maurizio Flammini, Chairman of Infront Motor Sports, said, “After meeting the promoters of Jaypee Group last year, I got the feeling that I was dealing with highly professional and powerful corporate house which will guarantee the organization of a successful race in India, even though the Buddh International Circuit was under construction. This impression was indeed confirmed from the outcome of the Formula 1 race held in October 2011 last year which turned out to be the best race of the 2011 season.  We are sure that the FIM Superbike World Championship will bring added value to BIC, as well as to India and vice versa .  It will also deliver value to all the automobile companies supporting and following our Championship, a very important opportunity to expand their brands and business in Asia.”

The scheduled dates of the race bridge a vast gap in the WSB calendar between the opening round at Phillip island and the first European round which is generally around the end of March or early in April. Much like Formula 1, Infront has been on the lookout for new markets to bring the WSB Championship to and with India’s rising motorsport involvement globally, the Indian round will no doubt gather a lot of attention.

Confirming the news after signing the agreement, JPSI MD and CEO Mr Sameer Gaur said:“We are extremely happy to announce that besides holding the Formula One and FIA GT1 motor racing series, we will also hold a thrilling motorcycle race, World Superbike Championship, at BIC early next year. There are many in India who are passionate about bikes. I am sure they would love to watch famed motorcycle drivers compete against each other here at their own world class racing circuit.”