According to an AP report from Brazil, the season-opening race on March 8 has been cancelled. Terracap, the government agency that owns the Autodromo International Nelson Piquet circuit, has also stated that the event has been canceled. The series acknowledged the news as well.

IndyCar issued the following statement regarding the cancellation of the Brasilia Indy 300 in the capital city of Brazil:

IndyCar CEO Mark Miles told RACER magazine, “The track sold out all their hospitality, were delighted with ticket sales, and there was really enthusiastic response from the fans. It’s a shame, it has nothing to do with the Verizon IndyCar Series, and we were all looking forward to a great start to the year in Brazil. There’s an appetite for our series in Brazil.”

Miles went on to say that the series will not be affected by this decision financially. “Without going into details, it won’t change the Leader Circle distribution for our stakeholders.”

Brazilian driver Helio Castroneves voiced his displeasure on Twitter. He and fellow countryman Tony Kanaan were looking forward to the race, as was Vitor Meira, who was working on putting a deal together to run the season-opening race in his home country.

If the event remains cancelled, the shortened 16-race schedule will kick off in St Petersburg on March 29.