Russians and Belarusians banned from competing in motorsport events in UK

Russian and Belarusian licensed drivers and riders have been banned from motorsport events in the UK.

Motorsport UK has announced sanctions after the International Olympic Committee recommended athletes from Belarus and Russia should be banned or told to compete under a neutral flag.

David Richards, Chair of Motorsport UK, along with the board of the organisation, said: “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.

“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).”

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Motorsport UK is the national governing body for four-wheel motorsport in the UK, representing 720 affiliate clubs and 30,000 licence holders.

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The body organises the British Grand Prix in Silverstone, the Rally of Great Britain and the British Rally Championship.

Key developments:

Haas driver banned from Silverstone

Formula One has already cancelled the 2022 Russian Grand Prix and expressed ‘sadness and shock’ over the invasion of Ukraine.

The ban on Russian drivers means Formula 1 driver Nikita Mazepin will be barred from racing at Silverstone for Haas on 3 July.

On Tuesday, it looked likely Mazepin would be allowed to compete in F1 this season after the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) confirmed Russian and Belarusian drivers could race under a neutral flag.

But Mr Richards, along with the board of organisation, confirmed that he would not be able to race.

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According to Motorsport UK’s statement, the decision was made in full consolation with the UK government.

Mr 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.”

Further sporting sanctions for Russian athletes

On Wednesday, the International Paralympic Committee announced that Russian and Belarusian athletes will compete under a neutral flag at the Beijing Paralympics.

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Russia had already been stripped of the UEFA Champions League final in May, which has been moved from St Petersburg to Paris last week.

Several national football federations, including England’s FA, have said they will not play Russia in any matches for the foreseeable future.

In tennis, Russian and Belarusian tennis players including top-ranked Daniil Medvedev, who is Russian, can play on the ATP and WTA tours, but without national flags, and at the Grand Slams

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