Following the controversy that marred the Argentinian round of the World Superbike, the FIM published a press release in English on Sunday evening.
Here is our translation.
FIM Statement – WorldSBK – Motul Argentina Channel
Following the decision of six riders not to participate in Race 1 during the Motul Argentina round of the FIM Superbike World Championship, Saturday October 12 in San Juan, the FIM would like to provide some clarifications.
At the request of the FIM in 2018, the San Juan circuit was resurfaced to host WorldSBK in 2019. On Wednesday October 9, during the inspection of the track, the FIM safety manager asked the circuit management to wash the track to remove the dust accumulated over the last few days in order to guarantee the safety conditions necessary for the smooth running of the Argentine round.
After intensive cleaning of the track, the approval was issued on Thursday during a new inspection. This homologation procedure, valid from Friday to Sunday, is identical for each event of the championship and takes place on the Thursday preceding each race according to FIM regulations.
At the safety commission meeting on Friday evening, driver representatives expressed concern about the heat and its possible effects on the newly laid asphalt. In agreement with all stakeholders (drivers, FIM and Dorna representatives), it was decided that a meeting would be held on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. after free practice session 3 to take stock of this situation. At this meeting, all drivers were happy with the improved track conditions and it was unanimously decided to move forward with the qualifying sessions and the race. However, after the qualifying sessions, six WorldSBK riders decided not to take part in the race two hours later.
The FIM recalls that the safety of all drivers is its priority and wishes to emphasize that neither the torrid weather conditions nor the state of the track at this precise moment justified the cancellation of the race.
In addition, and in order to ensure a high level of training, the FIM also organized a seminar for the 150 track marshals on Thursday at the San Juan circuit with the support of the national federation CAMOD.
Photo credit : Worldsbk.com
