Motorsport News March 10, 2022

Reigning British GT champions Leo Machitski and Dennis Lind’s title defence has been thrown into doubt after Motorsport UK banned Russian and Belarusian-licenced drivers from UK competition. The UK governing body’s move, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, goes beyond the FIA’s that only requires participation under a neutral flag. Amateur driver Machitski has a Russian licence, which he is now unable to compete with in the UK, though he holds a British passport, grew up in London, and has dual citizenship. He is entered to defend his British GT championship this year, remaining in a Barwell Lamborghini with Lind, and their entry fee is paid. Machitski could in theory race with a non-Russian licence. Machitski is currently in Moscow, his main place of residence, and it is also unclear whether he would be…

Anyone who has seen the news over the last two weeks will realise that there are more pressing problems facing the world right now than simply trying to stop a stopwatch more effectively than another competitor. Russian competitors across all branches of the sporting sphere have come under scrutiny and each discipline has taken its own steps to show solidarity with Ukraine and its people. Motorsport UK has taken a leading approach by barring Russian and Belarus participants and its swift and decisive action is something that has drawn universal praise. F1’s decision to rip up its contract to race in Russia means grand prix racing has turned its back on a lucrative deal. Some things mean way much more than money, and it is heartening to see the level of…

All Russian and Belarusian-licensed drivers, teams and officials have been banned from participating in UK motorsport events by Motorsport UK in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The UK governing body’s move last week went beyond the previous day’s announced FIA measures, which stopped short of the International Olympic Committee recommendation to prevent all participation by Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions, and allowed them to participate in a neutral capacity under the “FIA flag”. Motorsport UK chair David Richards said: “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…

The Haas Formula 1 team has terminated its deal with driver Nikita Mazepin for the 2022 season and is seeking a replacement. The US-owned team has also cut ties with title sponsor Uralkali in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Ashort statement from the team read: “Haas F1 team has elected to terminate, with immediate effect, the title partnership of Uralkali, and the driver contract of Nikita Mazepin. “As with the rest of the Formula 1 community, the team is shocked and saddened by the invasion of Ukraine and wishes for a swift and peaceful end to the conflict.” The driver, whose father Dimitry has links to Russian president Vladimir Putin, has said he was prepared to adhere to any conditions imposed – including the FIA’s insistence that any Russian…

Formula 1 will no longer race in Russia after the sport’s bosses tore up a long-term deal with the country to host a grand prix. The Russian Grand Prix has been on the calendar since 2014, when the country’s president Vladimir Putin was instrumental in bringing the event to Sochi, on a circuit that runs through the old Olympic Park. Bosses of the race had signed a long-term deal to host the race, and it was due to move to a Putin’s hometown of St Petersburg in 2023 to a new purpose-built circuit called Igora Drive. In a brief statement, Formula 1 said: “Formula 1 can confirm it has terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix promoter. It means that Russia will no longer have a race in the future.”…

The WTCR – FIAWorld Touring Car Cup is unlikely to return to Russia this year following promoter Discovery Sports Events’decision to axe the planned Sochi rounds inAugust. Discovery had a long-term agreement with local promoter Rosgonki, the same organisation behind the Russian Grand Prix. It was in discussion with Russian bank VTB over a significant event sponsorship deal and was also negotiating with Lada over a factory entry for the second year running. Astatement from the Paris-based firm read: “Discovery Sports Events confirms in the current circumstances it is not possible to hold WTCR Race of Russia. The thoughts of the entire WTCR family are with all those suffering.” Sochi produced two of last season’s best WTCR races with Briton Rob Huff winning the second counter in November. The Black Sea venue was…