Ukraine calls on FIA to reconsider lifting ban on competitors from Russia, Belarus

Aug 18 : Ukraine has urged motorsport's world governing body to reconsider lifting a ban on competitors from Russia and Belarus in international events.

The ban on participants from the two countries competing with their own flags and anthems, in place since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, was lifted by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) last week.

The BBC reported Ukraine's Minister of Youth and Sports had written to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem requesting the decision be reconsidered.

Ukraine's Automobile Federation said in a statement the FIA move had "come as a complete surprise".

An FIA spokesperson, confirming the Ukrainian letter, said on Tuesday the requirements for Russian and Belarusian drivers, teams and officials had been updated following a vote by the FIA's World Motor Sport Council.

"This follows an announcement by the IOC (International Olympic Committee) on 7th July and similar updates issued by other international sporting federations," the spokesperson added.

"The FIA maintains its ban on organising events and competitions in Russia and Belarus. The FIA continues to monitor the situation closely in Ukraine and reserves the right to update its position in the future."

Russia, which once hosted a regular round of the Formula One championship in Sochi, has not hosted a grand prix since 2021.

The last Russian driver in Formula One was Nikita Mazepin, whose contract was terminated by U.S.-owned Haas in 2022 and who has since competed in the Middle East under a neutral flag.

The IOC last month provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, a step seen as bringing Russia closer to reintegration into the Olympic movement ahead of the Los Angeles Games.

The FIA, the governing body