Salzburgring race is given the boot from schedule

The Austrian event, scheduled for August 3-5, has been struck off the calendar due to the circuit's "inability to comply with FIA safety requirements", according to championship organisers.

"We are very disappointed to be making this announcement now, but were only recently made aware of the situation," said John Macdonald, executive director of the ELMS. "The FIA has been in contact with the Salzburgring management and unfortunately there isn't time for the circuit to make the required safety improvements prior to the race. We recognise the impact that this schedule change has on all our series participants, but the safety of competitors is our top priority."

Several European tracks are currently being consulted with the intention of replacing the Salzburgring event with a high quality venue on the same weekend.

"This is a very frustrating announcement to make," said Scott Atherton, president and COO of the Panoz Motor Sports Group, which includes the ELMS. "The schedule, including Salzburgring, was ratified last December but, unfortunately, a recent development involving the Salzburgring circuit forced us to take this action.

"I hope everyone affected by this decision understands that we would never compromise the safety of our competitors and this decision is a direct reflection of that," he added.