Russian WSBK round cancelled

Political issues force organisers to cancel the Moscow Raceway round of the 2014 World Superbike Championship.

12 Apr 2014

Chaz Davies, Race Start, , Russian WSBK Race 1 2013
© Gold and Goose

The Russian round of the 2014 World Superbike Championship has been cancelled due to the current political climate in the country, it has been announced.

Scheduled to take place on September 21st at the Moscow Raceway, the Russian round has been canned due to the current political situation affecting the capabilities of a number of key partner companies essential to run the event.

Crash.net understands that this is due to transporters requiring to enter Russia via its border with Ukraine and current tensions between the two countries could potentially raise issues.

A short statement from DWO and YMS Promotion expressed regret at making the decision, but remain confident the event will be back on the schedule from 2015 and run to the end of the contract to 2021.

Russia joined the WSBK calendar in 2012 with the brand-new Moscow Raceway. Last year's event was marred by a tragic death of Andrea Antonelli during the World Supersport race.

There is no confirmation whether the FIM will attempt to replace the round with an alternative venue.