SMP Racing announces that its drivers will not be able to race in 2022

The days go by and Russian motorsport continues to suffer the consequences of the invasion of Ukraine by Vladimir Putin's army. After the end of the relationship between Haas et Nikita mazepin and even its title sponsor Uralkali; the withdrawal of G-Drive from the WEC or even termination of the Russian Grand Prix contract, SMP Racing went with its announcement.

Responsible for promoting numerous Russian drivers, the Moscow team announced the end of its international racing program “ given the current situation ". A decision following “ the unprecedented demands imposed by the FIA ​​on Russian drivers to participate in international competitions (...) We regret that at present political circumstances have proven to be stronger than the interests of sport », indicates SMP Racing in his press release.

As a reminder, the International Automobile Federation has decided not to exclude Russian drivers and teams from international competitions but has nevertheless imposed on them the condition of driving in a neutral capacity and under the flag of the FIA. Conditions that SMP Racing, like G-Drive a few days earlier, did not accept.

SMP Racing drivers at a standstill

The end of SMP Racing's international program endangers the drivers whose promotion the team was promoting. If the teams in which they are involved have not yet confirmed anything, the Russian structure affirms for its part that its protégés will not be seen in international races this year.

This is particularly the case of Alexander Smolyar who was to compete in his 3rd season of F3 with MP Motorsport. While waiting for official communication from his team, the Russian was quick to react via his social networks and gave his support to SMP Racing. “ I will not participate in F3 or any other international competition this season, he wrote on Instagram confirming the trend. I agree with SMP Racing's decision to terminate its European program due to the unprecedented demands imposed by the FIA ​​on any Russian driver as a condition of entry to international competitions »

 

 

 

 

 

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Sergey Sirotkin, whose return to competition was expected in 2022 with a blank year, will also not ride this season. The Russian, supported by SMP Racing, was due to take part in theEndurance GT World Challenge Cup.

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