MotoGP India: Technical glitch causes visa delays; riders stranded
A technical glitch caused visa delays ahead of the MotoGP race scheduled at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida near Delhi on 24 September. Several riders and team personnel await clearance as India is set to host its first-ever MotoGP race. Notably, riders Marquez and Joan Mir were supposed to attend a promotional event on September 20, but it has been canceled.
We regret the delays: Grand Prix of India
"We regret the delays in the visa issuance process. Please understand that this is not a reflection of our dedication," a Grand Prix of India statement read. "It's an unforeseen technical glitch that's part and parcel of the challenges faced during inaugural events like this. We're happy to announce that most of the visas have already been processed, with many more on the horizon."
Key details regarding delays
An official of Fairstreet Sports, the event's local promoter, told PTI that a technical error in the application process led to the delay. As a result, some MotoGP riders and team personnel missed their flights. Some of them even reached the airport and got stranded. On the other hand, many of them received their visa on time and are en route to India.
600 applications were pending till September 19
According to Fairstreet, nearly 1,800 visas were required for personnel, but a technical glitch caused the delay. "The visas were applied on September 5 but due to a technical glitch on the part of the travel agency, the delay happened. 600 visa applications were pending till yesterday, now most of them have been cleared including the visa of Marquez," the statement added.
What if there are more delays?
In case there are further delays, MotoGP can run the session scheduled for September 22 partially or fully. This measure was adopted during the Argentine GP when freight did not arrive on time at Termas de Rio Hondo.
First motorsport event to be hosted by India since 2013
As mentioned, India is set to host its first-ever MotoGP race. The first race is scheduled to be held at the Buddh International Circuit on September 22. This will be the first motorsport event hosted by India since the now-defunct Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix. It got scrapped following the 2013 season due to financial issues among others.
Schedule of Moto GP in India (IST)
September 22: Practice 1 and 2 (Moto3, Moto2, and Moto GP) - 09:30 to 16:30. September 23: Free Practice (Moto3, Moto2, and Moto GP) - 09:10 to 11:10, Qualifying 1 and 2 (Moto3, Moto2 and Moto GP) - 11:20 to 14:55, and Moto GP Sprint Race - 15:30. September 24: Moto3 Race - 11:30, Moto2 Race - 12:45, and Moto GP Race - 14:30.
Buddh International Circuit to do the honors
The Buddh International Circuit was previously used for hosting F1 races, the first of which was held back in 2011. F1 legend and four-time champion Sebastian Vettel won his final World Drivers' Championship at this venue in 2013. However, the Indian Grand Prix was suspended for 2014 and subsequently canceled due to a tax dispute with the Government of Uttar Pradesh.
