Superbike World Championship set for Indian debut

The Superbike World Championship will become the first major motorcycling series to enter India after a four-year deal was reached to stage a race at the Buddh International Circuit near New Delhi.

The Circuit, located 40 kilometres south of New Delhi was opened in advance of staging its first Formula One race in October. The facility's developer, Jaypee Group, has been keen to bring other motorsport events to the Circuit and has signed an agreement with the Championship's owner, Infront Motor Sports, which will see the inaugural Indian race staged on 10th March next year.

Infront Motor Sports Chief Executive Paolo Flammini stated "the inclusion of the Indian round in the 2013 FIM Superbike World Championship calendar represents a great achievement for our series and reflects our continuous target to further extend its international presence. India today is one of the most important motorcycle markets in the world, not only in terms of existing bike sales numbers but also growth and in the upgrading of the range offered to the consumer. Undoubtedly the inclusion of this event will greatly benefit all the protagonists of our series and will create significant added value for the motorcycle manufacturers."

Jaypee Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Sameer Gaur added "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, the World Superbike Championship, at BIC early next year.

"There are many in India who are passionate about bikes. I am sure they will love to watch famed motorcycle drivers compete against each other here at their own world-class racing circuit."

India will become the 27th country to host a round of the Superbike World Championship, since its creation in 1988.

2nd February 2009 - 2011 START FOR F1 IN INDIA