The organising body of the FIA World Touring Car Championship, KSO, and the FIA have jointly agreed to cancel the 2010 WTCC Race of Mexico, at the Puebla circuit next month.
The two parties have called it off as a case of Force Majeure, and the decision was made after receiving the security reports from the region, and from discussions and close consultation from the Mexican National Sporting Authority, the OMDAI.
Speaking about replacing the cancelled Mexican round, KSO's General Manager, Marcello Lotti said: “No decision has yet been taken. We will think about it, evaluate the different opportunities and decide before the next meeting in Marrakech. As a matter of fact we are not looking for a replacement on the same date of Puebla, because there would not be enough time to organise the event properly with an appropriate promotional campaign. If there is a replacement, this will take place in the gap between Valencia and Okayama and, therefore, would be somewhere on the way to Japan. However we could very well stay with eleven events.”
What do the drivers have to say about the Cancelation of the event?
BMW Team RBM's Andy Priaulx: “It is a shame as I rather enjoyed the Latin feel of Mexico. We are not sure what the next move for the organisers will be, but if there is no replacement, which I suppose at short notice is unlikely, our next race will not be until the 2nd May in Marrakech.”
Bamboo engineering's Harry Vaulkhard doesn't mind where the replacement round is held: “I'm not too fussy! It will be at a track I don’t already know so it doesn’t really make much difference as I'll have to learn it anyway!”
Tiago Monteiro, the SR-Sport driver has fond memories of the Puebla circuit and explains his sadness of the decision: “I am indeed quite sad to see the Mexican round cancelled… It is a track that suits SEAT car and also I have won there as well in WTCC which is always special… But security comes first so I accept the decision.”
Tiago then went on to add: “well to be honest I don't really mind, I would like another street track as we've lost Pau and not going to Porto this year, but otherwise somewhere in Asia”
So what are the possible alternatives for a replacement round for Puebla?
The organisers have already said that it'll be an event on the way to Japan, so that knocks out quite a number of possible locations. I personally believe the following circuits are the most likely candidates, while other fans would like to see Bahrain or Abu Dhabi host a round.
The most likely possibilities:
- Turkey – Istanbul.
- Bahrain – Sakhir
- Abu Dhabi – Yas Marina
- Malaysia – Sepang
We can confirm that there are a number of circuits under consideration to host a replacement round of the WTCC, but as to where? That remains a mystery.
With this announcement, the 3rd and 4th rounds of the 2010 WTCC will take place in North Africa, at the Marrakesh facility in Morocco, on the 1st and 2nd May.