MACHITSKI’S TITLE DEFENCE IN DOUBT AMID WAR IN UKRAINE
Reigning British GT champion Leo Machitski’s title defence is in doubt following a ruling by Motorsport UK in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The UK motorsport governing body stated that “no Russian/belarusian licensed competitors and officials are approved to participate in UK events” in an act of “solidarity and support towards all those affected by the ongoing conflict”.
Autosport understands that Machitski has dual Anglo-russian citizenship and could apply to Motorsport UK for a British licence. The 39-year-old grew up in the UK, started his racing career driving a Honda Civic Type R in Britcar in 2005, and has previously held a British race licence. He had committed to continuing aboard a Barwell Motorsport Lamborghini with Danish ace Dennis Lind, his partner in winning the 2021 GT3 crown.
Lind, who collected the Allan Simonsen Award at the championship’s London prizegiving last Friday, tweeted: “I am getting a few questions in about my attendance in British GT. As of now, it’s difficult to say if there is a drive or not, neither Barwell Motorsport or I can do much about this horrible situation.”
In addition to blocking Russian and Belarusian-licensed drivers, teams and officials from taking part in British events, Motorsport UK also stated that no flags from either country can be displayed at motorsport fixtures, including on cars, equipment and clothing.
Motorsport UK chairman David Richards said: “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. It is our duty to use whatever influence and leverage we might have to bring this wholly unjustified invasion of Ukraine to a halt.”
Motorsport UK is unable to comment on the specific situation surrounding drivers with dual-citizenship, but added: “Our actions are a clear signal of protest to Russia and Belarus that they cannot use motorsport in the UK to represent their interests.”