The International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) has announced that the Brazilian Grand Prix has been scrapped and replaced by the Turkish Grand Prix.
The International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) has announced that the Brazilian Grand Prix has been scrapped and replaced by the Turkish Grand Prix.
In a press release, the sport’s ruling body said: “Following the lack of a signed contract, the Rio Grand Prix is cancelled.”
The race, which was scheduled for April 17, will now be hosted at a newly-built circuit on the outskirts of Istanbul on October 23. The Portuguese Grand Prix will now be held on April 17.
According to , the only Brazilian rider in the championship, Alex Barros, could not hide his disappointment.
“As far as the cancellation of the Rio GP is concerned, obviously I’m disappointed. It is the second time this has happened (the first was in 1998) but this is even more disappointing because it was probably going to be the last grand prix at this track. The city prefecture is actually planning to demolish part of the track and reduce the overall length to 3 100 metres. That means it would only have been used for national races”.
The 2005 season kicks off on April 10 at the Jerec circuit in Spain, and ends on November 6 at Valencia.