The promoter of the Targa 6H Monza has announced that the first edition of the event will not take place on 10 March 2018 as originally announced.

This is the statement issued by the event promoter, Driving Force Events:

“Although we have registered an encouraging level of interest from teams and drivers, the number of entries confirmed two weeks before the event is not high enough to ensure the race’s level of quality is in line with the minimum standards of our organisation and of Autodromo di Monza.

“We are therefore forced to cancel the date of 10 March 2018 and make a pause of reflection for analysing this experience and relaunch the event under a different format.

“We believe an endurance race should not take place without a minimum starting grid of at least 20 cars, a number that we may not have reached by this date. The reasons can be related to the current market situation, marked by a very wide offer of winter private practices and the fact that many teams are still finalising their 2018 programmes. The bad long-term weather forecast had a marginal impact on our decision, but it has probably discouraged the participation of some potential teams.

“When you experience a new format (in this case a stand-alone race not part of a championship, scheduled one month ahead the traditional Italian’s season opening) you must accept the possibility of missing your target and being forced to review your strategy.

“We thank the Autodromo di Monza, the private practices organiser Kateyama (who have managed to synchronise their calendar with ours plans), all the drivers and teams interested in the event and all the race fans that enthusiastically welcomed our initiative.”