Superleague Formula’s difficult 2011 continues with the cancellation of its upcoming Brazilian rounds.
The events – set to take place over the second and third weekends in October – have withdrawn due to complications with the circuit at Goiânia.
With the third round of the 2011 Superleague season fast approaching, bosses at the 2.38-mile circuit have informed the series that the track will not be ready in time.
The planned resurfacing of the circuit has run overtime and with time to find a replacement running short, Superleague took the decision to cancel the Goiânia event. As a venue for the fourth round – to be held the following week – had still to be confirmed, both events have been officially withdrawn.
Robin Webb, Director of Competitions for the Superleague Formula confirmed that:
“…unfortunately time has run out for us to commit to transporting the cars and equipment across the Atlantic. For a European-based operation it is simply too much of a risk to send everything there without being wholly confident Goiânia is ready to hold a race. It’s also unfair on our teams and drivers who have understandably been seeking our assurances on this matter.
I know our colleagues in Brazil are as frustrated as I am but realistically there was no other satisfactory decision we could consider. I want to make it clear however that this has in no way affected the chances of hosting a race next season.”
Following the opening rounds at Assen (Netherlands) and Zolder (Belgium), Team Australia lead the Championship ahead of Team Japan and Team Luxembourg.
The event in Beijing (October 29th – 30th) now becomes Superleague’s third round, with rounds in Shanghai and Seoul to follow. A round in New Zealand is due to end the season in December; however a venue is yet to be confirmed.