In addition, the motorcycling governing body will cancel all events in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine and try to transfer them to other countries.
These decisions were made in an extraordinary meeting of the FIM on the eve of the opening of the MotoGP season in Qatar and follows the invasion of Russia in Ukraine, for which it has already received a worldwide condemnation.
The FIM explained that it took into consideration the recommendations of the Olympic Committee which condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, prompting it to react with immediate effect.
He added that the following measures will remain in effect until further notice:
– Suspend, for the Motorcycle Federation of Russia (MFR) and the Belarusian Federation of Motorcycle Sports (BFMS), the issue of FIM licenses and FIM licenses already distributed. Suspend the functions of the MFR and BFMS persons acting as FIM Officers and as members of the FIM Commissions / Experts / Agents. As a result, no Russian and Belarusian drivers, teams and officials can take part in any FIM events and activities.
– Suspend registration and cancel all FIM events such as FIM International Meetings, FIM World Championships and FIM awards ceremonies that take place in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine and, if necessary, transfer these FIM events to another country.
– Discontinue any other FIM activities, including but not limited to seminars, committee meetings, training camps taking place in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.
The Igora Drive circuit, near St. Petersburg, Russia, was listed as a reserve circuit for MotoGP last year, but Saturday’s announcement actually confirms that it will not maintain this status in 2022.
“We stand in solidarity with all those suffering from the Russian invasion of Ukraine and remain in close contact with our affiliate member in Ukraine (FMU),” said FIM President Jorge Viegas.
“I would like to thank the members of the FIM Board of Directors in deciding these measures in the interest of sport and peace. The FIM, together with its promoters and organizers, have already acted on this matter and canceled the FIM competitions scheduled in Russia. , Belarus and Ukraine “.
“The decisions announced today are in line with the recommendations and statements of the International Olympic Committee, adapted to our sport. The FIM family is watching the developments in Ukraine with great sadness and the hope of a quick and peaceful resolution.”
The strong stance of the FIM against Russian license holders contrasts strongly with that of the FIA, the governing body of four-wheeled motorsport, which recently allowed all Russian and Belarusian drivers to continue racing provided they switch to a neutral license and have followed some guidelines.
However, several national motorsport bodies, including Motorsport UK in Great Britain and DMSB in Germany, have chosen to ban Russian and Belarusian drivers, teams and officials from competing in auto championships on their turf.
Earlier this week, Honda MotoGP star Marc Marquez said the support that sports championships and federations around the world were offering to people in Ukraine was not enough, because “there are people much more important than us. who must stop this war. “
#FIM #bans #Russian #Belarusian #licensed #pilots
