Racing governing body Motorsport UK has banned Russian and Belarusian license holders from competing in the UK.
This decision is a consequence of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and is part of a wide range of sanctions and restrictions aimed at the two countries.
The Motorsport UK ban will impact the British Grand Prix in July as Russian Haas driver Nikita Mazepin will not be able to compete as things stand. It is not known whether he has multiple passports and an international license.
Haas’ title sponsor is Uralkali, a Russian company owned by Mazepin’s father, but the team says the situation is currently under review, and a decision is expected soon.
The Motorsport UK ban will mean that no Russian or Belarusian licensed teams will be able to compete here nor will their officials be allowed to participate. No symbol, color, flag or national anthem will be allowed.
David Richards, Chairman of Motorsport UK, said: “The entire Motorsport UK community condemns Russia’s and Belarus’ acts of war in Ukraine and expresses its solidarity and support for all those affected by the conflict in Classes.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and the motorsport community, following the invasion and the unacceptable actions that have taken place. This is the time for the international motorsport community to act and show its support for the people of Ukraine and to our colleagues from the Automobile Federation of Ukraine (FAU).”
The UK ban is a step from measures announced by world motorsport governing body FIA, which previously canceled the Russian Grand Prix but will still allow Russian and Belarusian drivers to compete, although under neutral flags.
Yesterday the FIA said it would not allow any international competition to take place in Russia or Belarus. In addition, any Russian or Belarusian driver and team will be required to race under a neutral FIA flag.
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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-03-02 13:41:16
