FIA not easing anti-Russian 'pressure' yet – Chagin

Sep.9 (GMM) Well over two years after the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict, F1’s governing body is maintaining a strong anti-Russian sentiment.

That is the claim of Vladimir Chagin, a legendary Russian rally raid driver who is also involved in the organisation of the country’s Silk Way rally.

Last year, Chagin had to pull his team, Kamaz, out of the Dakar rally, as the company also supplies armoured vehicles to Vladimir Putin’s war effort.

And he says the FIA, the world’s motor racing authority, is maintaining its hard-line stance against Russia for now.

“The FIA pressure is not decreasing,” Chagin told Tass news agency at the Eastern Economic Forum, which is organised by the Russian government agency Roscongress.

“Our drivers cannot take part in international competitions,” he said. “Russian drivers are required to sign an FIA questionnaire, which states their condemnation of the special military operation, criticism of our president, and support for Ukraine.

“Of course, no Russian will sign such a document. Therefore, we hold our own competitions so that we do not lag behind in development, while we hope that a more favourable time will come soon.

“Also, foreign drivers are not allowed to participate in Russia under the threat of losing their international license,” Chagin added.