While the FIA allows Russian drivers to continue racing, albeit under a neutral flag, Motorsport UK, the governing body for four-wheel motorsport in the UK, has banned all Russian competitors - a move which would exclude Daniil Kvyat from participation in the British GP despite the FIA's ruling.

David Richards, Chair of Motorsport UK, along with the Board of the organisation, have considered the appropriate response to the ongoing acts of war and aggression conducted in Ukraine by Russia and Belarus.

"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," said Richards.

"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)."

Yesterday, the FIA held an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) chaired by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem to discuss the ongoing conflict. David Richards CBE, Chair of Motorsport UK and WMSC Member, attended the session.

In full accordance with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommendations, and respecting the decisions of the FIA, Motorsport UK Board members have established the actions to be taken in the UK and approved the following to be implemented with immediate effect:

Recognition of licences issued by the Russian Automobile Federation (RAF) and the Belarus Automobile Federation (BAF) is suspended in the UK. As a consequence:

• 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
• 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 that there is a unilateral response to the crisis.

Richards concluded, "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."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by CanadianF1Fan, 02/03/2022 20:02

"Thank you David!!! Very disappointed by the FIA response. Lacks strength and character. "

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2. Posted by ChickenFarmerF1, 02/03/2022 19:43

"Don't think this will matter much to Kvyat's F1 career at this point. Mazepin however would be excluded from Silverstone. For the best really. "

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3. Posted by Jet Jockey, 02/03/2022 18:34

"Excellent news."

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4. Posted by KKK, 02/03/2022 13:40

"To be honest, asmuch as I don't agree with what the FIA has decided to do, motorsport UJ has overdone it. What next? Deportation?"

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5. Posted by jcr, 02/03/2022 13:23

"So all Russian and Belarusian players are to be banned from British Football ??
Dont think so."

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6. Posted by alvarezh3, 02/03/2022 13:22

"Just being fair to the unfairness that the Russian government has oppressively treated the Ukrainian people and its athletes.

If due to the circumstances the Ukrainians athletes can't even leave their country to compete somewhere else in the world, why should the Russian athletes be allowed to?

Well done Motorsport UK!"

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7. Posted by Endre, 02/03/2022 13:18

"@Devonlad, they were banned from football (all FIFA and UEFA events including World Cup). This was announced on FEB 28. Only the FIA seems to be such an impotent sold out organization."

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8. Posted by Max Noble, 02/03/2022 13:04

"A simple strong stand that is all within their power to show. To be applauded. "

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9. Posted by Devonlad, 02/03/2022 12:17

"It raises the question of course what Russia has to do to actually get banned from the Olympics and football. WW3? It which case it will be a tad too late."

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10. Posted by jcr, 02/03/2022 12:02

"Not condoning Russias actions at all, But,
Now looks like the UK stands alone, Both the Olympic Committee and Fia have agreed to Neutral flags ect ?? So that athletes can continue to compete."

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11. Posted by JamesD, 02/03/2022 11:43

"Well done Motorsport UK, the correct decision has been made. FIA ... care to reflect and do the right thing ???"

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Motorsport UK bans Russian drivers

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