Paul Bird statement

It is with great regret that Mr Bird must confirm his two-year suspension from motorsport.

Mr Bird is disappointed by the lack of publicity given to the incorporation of the anti-doping policy by the Motor Sports Association. Further information should be disseminated to ensure other competitors do not inadvertently breach the Regulations.

In particular, Mr Bird accepts taking Furosemide, a therapeutic drug taken to treat water retention. Without knowledge of the policy, he inevitably failed to properly notify the authorities. As a result of this breach alone, a minimum suspension of two years must be imposed.

Tests administered by UK Anti-doping also identified the presence of benzoylecgonine; unfortunately it transpired that Mr Bird had ingested a drug without his knowledge at a private function. UK Anti-doping has not suggested that the taking of either drug was intentional nor related to his sport performance. The World Anti-doping Agency has accepted this and imposes their sanction accordingly.

Given the Regulations, there was no benefit to Mr Bird further arguing about accidental consumption of a drug as the presence of furosemide mandated a two-year suspension from competition.

Mr Bird will now accept the decision of WADA and looks forward to his return to the sport.