Middle East classic on hold

Plans for a new historic racing festival in the Middle East were dashed when the proposed Abu Dhabi Classic was postponed at very short notice. The event, scheduled for the end of January, had attracted capacity entries across a five-event programme, topped by a 3-litre Formula 1 grid from the Masters organisation.

Organisers from the new Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi stressed that the event had been postponed rather than cancelled.

“A new date will be advised in due course, but Yas Marina Circuit has made it clear they will continue to work with Masters to develop the event,” said a statement.

The news came as a blow to the Masters organisation. “We had been working seven days a week on this project for many months, and were devastated to receive this call,” said Christopher Tate. “It is clear that this was completely outside our control.”