Russian racers get go signal to compete in FIA-sanctioned events in ‘neutral capacity'

Russian racers will be allowed to join motorsport events sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) — but only in a “neutral capacity.”

The decision came upon after the extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) that was chaired by FIA President Ben Sulayem to address matters relating to the ongoing situation in Ukraine.

In his opening remarks, Sulayem said that the organization is "condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine" and is hoping for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation.

“I would like to stress that the FIA, together with our promoters, proactively acted on this matter last week and communicated accordingly on the Formula 1, Formula 2, WTCR and the International Drifting Cup. An updated version of the different FIA International Calendars will be presented to the WMSC meeting in Bahrain for approval,” the FIA president said.

In a statement, the FIA said that the WMSC approved several decisions that are in accordance with the International Olympic Committee recommendations that will be effective immediately — until further notice.

The FIA said that no international/zone competition will be taking place in Russia and Belarus and no flag/symbol or anthem of Russia or Belarus will be used in their sanctioned events.

Russian or Belarusian national teams are not allowed to participate in international/zone competitions under FIA. However, Russian or Belarusian drivers, individual competitors and officials are allowed to join — 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).

Further, representatives from Russian and Belarusian FIA members shall step aside temporarily from their roles and responsibilities of elected officers/commissions’ members.

Moreover, the council decided that no grant will be awarded to Russian and Belarusian FIA members. Existing FIA grant funding for the aforementioned memberswill also be halted as well.  

Further, the 2022 Russian F1 Grand Prix will be cancelled under "force majeure."

“I want to thank the Council members for their prompt action in deciding these measures in the interests of sport and peace. We stand in solidarity with Leonid Kostyuchenko, the President of the Federation Automobile d’Ukraine (FAU) and the wider FIA family in the country," Sulayem shared.

"The measures taken today recognize the authority of the FAU in Ukraine and are also aligned with the recommendations recently made by the International Olympic Committee. We are in active discussions with our members as we continue to extend our compassion and support in their time of need. We sincerely hope for a peaceful resolution to their intolerable hardship,” he added.

Photos from  Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile

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