Qatar World Touring Car Championship finale to have date changed
The finale of the 2015 World Touring Car Championship in Qatar is likely to move to a later date, and a different day of the week, after a request from the national racing federation
AUTOSPORT understands that the request originated from the royal family itself.
"Yes, it is going to change," said series boss Francois Ribeiro. "There is a summit of Arab nations that week in Qatar so the government has requested that all sporting events planned for that time be moved.
"It's partly a question of security, but also all the hotels will be booked."
Moving the race forwards a week from its current November 20-22 slot would create a clash with the Brazilian Grand Prix, which would be broadcast at a similar Sunday afternoon timeslot.
Similarly, moving it back a week would put the WTCC races up against the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in the schedules, as well as creating clashes in Eurosport's own schedules with the start of the competitive skiing season.
As such the Qatar WTCC races are likely to be held on the Friday night, November 27, subject to ratification from the World Motorsport Council.
"Then it will only clash with Abu Dhabi free practice," said Ribeiro. "We have the fax votes [from the series stakeholders], they all agree, it just needs to be ratified by the FIA."
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