The opening race of the IndyCar Series in Brasilia on March 8 has been cancelled according to reports in Brazil.

The television channel promoting the event released a brief statement saying the decision was made "unilaterally" by local government in the country's federal capital.

A statement from BAND TV said: "Band will inform in the next few days how those who have bought tickets will be reimbursed. The channel laments this hasty decision."

IndyCar president of competition and operations Derrick Walker said: "BAND announced today that the race scheduled for March 8 in Brasilia has been cancelled.

"This comes as a great disappointment, and we will have further comment when we have had the opportunity to talk with all of our partners and the authorities in Brazil."

Cancellation means a drop from 17 races to 16 for the 2015 season, which will now start with the Streets of St Petersburg in Florida on March 29.

Earlier on Thursday, positive reports about ticket sales for the race at the Nelson Piquet Autodromo had been released - five of the 10 seating sections were said to have sold out.

Brasilia was also due to hold a race in the MotoGP series this year but that was cancelled last year.