LONDON – In response to the situation in Ukraine, Motorsport UK has barred Russian Formula 1 driver Nikita Mazepin from competing at the British Grand Prix, according to a report published on Sky Sports official website.
This announcement comes after FIA confirmed yesterday that Russian and Belarusian drivers could compete in F1 this season provided they race under a neutral flag.
Motorsport UK chairman David Richards confirmed in a statement today that Mazepin would not be able to race at Silverstone on July 3 unless the situation changes.
“The entire Motorsport UK community condemns the acts of war by Russia and Belarus in Ukraine and expresses its solidarity and support towards all those affected by the ongoing conflict,” Richards said.
“We stand united with the people of Ukraine and the motorsport community following the invasion and the unacceptable actions that have unfolded. This is a time for the international motorsport community to act and show support for the people of Ukraine and our colleagues at the Federation Automobile d’Ukraine (FAU).”
FIA president Mohammed bin Sulayem said in a statement yesterday: “The FIA is watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and I hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation.
“We condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and our thoughts are with all those suffering as a result of the events in Ukraine.”
FIA Statement - World Motor Sport Council decisions in relation to the situation in Ukraine pic.twitter.com/HwChHhkla6
— FIA (@fia) March 1, 2022
In the statement, the FIA added: “Russian/Belarusian drivers, individual competitors and officials to participate in international/zone competitions only in their neutral capacity and under the ‘FIA flag’, subject to specific commitment and adherence to the FIA’s principles of peace and political neutrality.”
In response, and in full accordance with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) recommendations, Motorsport UK confirmed, whilst “respecting the decisions of the FIA”, that no Russian/Belarusian licenced teams are approved to enter motorsport competitions in the UK, no Russian/Belarusian licenced competitors and officials are approved to participate in UK motorsport events and no Russian/Belarusian national symbols, colours, flags (on uniform, equipment and car) to be displayed at Motorsport UK permitted events.
The Motorsport UK decision was made in full consultation with the UK government and national sports governing bodies to ensure there is a unilateral response to the crisis.
Richards added: “It is our duty to use whatever influence and leverage we might have to bring this wholly unjustified invasion of Ukraine to a halt. We would encourage the motorsport community and our colleagues around the world to fully embrace the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee and do whatever we can to end this war.”
“Motorsport UK stands united with Leonid Kostyuchenko − the President of the FAU − the Ukrainian motorsport community and the Ukrainian people and calls for the violence to end with a peaceful resolution.”
— Daniil Kvyat (@kvyatofficial) March 1, 2022
Former Formula One driver Daniil Kvyat yesterday urged sporting federations to act against the “unfair solution” of banning Russian athletes and teams from sporting competitions in the wake of his country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Kvyat spoke out on social media against the Russia-Ukraine war and against the “unfair” banning of Russian athletes.
“I really hope for a peaceful solution to this situation in Ukraine and that we can all live in peace,” said Kvyat.
“Hopefully, all parties can find a solution by sitting together and through a respectful dialogue.
“It horrifies me to see two brotherhood nations in a conflict.
“I don’t want military actions and wars to influence the future of humanity. I want my daughter and all children to enjoy this beautiful world.
“I also would like to highlight and address all sports federations across the world, including IOC, that sport should remain outside politics and disallowing Russian athletes and teams from participating in world competitions is an unfair solution and goes against what sport teaches us in its principle − the unity and peace.
“Who else if not us sports people will help to glue nations together in the upcoming times?” – Agencies, March 2, 2022
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