India is set to host its first ever MotoGP race on 24 September at the Buddh International Circuit on the outskirts of Delhi, but the event has been dogged by problems with visas and customs clearance.
Several teams, including the Honda factory team and star rider Marc Marquez, have been forced to reschedule flights as their e-visas are still being processed by the government.
In a statement issued late on Tuesday in response to the travel chaos, Fairstreet Sports, which is organising the race with the support of the Uttar Pradesh government, said it was working with the Indian authorities to ensure that all remaining visa applications are processed in a timely manner.
It expressed confidence that all team members would be able to arrive in India in time for the race to take place as planned.
“We have been updated on the current issue of delays in the visa process,” the statement read.
“We would like to inform you that we have been working tirelessly to resolve this in the best possible manner.
“Nearly 500 visas have been processed and a large number will be processed shortly. The dedicated teams are doing everything possible to ensure that every rider, team and technical official is issued a visa as soon as possible. This incident was unexpected and we are doing everything we can to address it immediately.
“We understand the importance of a seamless experience for all participants and visitors and encourage everyone to be patient and cooperate with us and the teams.
“We are extremely grateful to the Government of India, MEA [Ministry of External Affairs], MHA [Ministry of Home Affairs] and the UP Government for their continued support and coordination.
“We are confident that all pending visas will be processed and that all race personnel required for the race will arrive in India in a timely and safe manner.”
In an updated statement, the organisers added: “We regret the unforeseen delays in the visa process. Please understand that this is not a reflection of our dedication and hard work. It is an unforeseen technical glitch that is part and parcel of the challenges faced during inaugural events such as this.
While some teams, including Ducati and Aprilia, have been able to get their personnel to India on time, others have been left stranded while waiting for clearance to enter the South Asian country.
Those affected have blamed both Indian and European agencies involved in the travel process for the delays.
Should there be any further delays, MotoGP will have the option of cutting Friday’s session short, either in part or in full, as was the case during the Argentinean GP weekend when technical problems with cargo planes meant that freight arrived late at Termas de Rio Hondo.
It is not the first time that a major international race in India has been hit by travel problems. Several members of the F1 paddock faced similar delays when the Buddh International Circuit was on the calendar from 2011-13.
However, the Formula E event in Hyderabad in February this year went ahead without similar bureaucratic hurdles.
