Russian GP promoter claims event suspended "not cancelled"

Russian Grand Prix promoter ANO Rosgonki has claimed its event has been suspended rather than cancelled following F1's announcement it is "impossible" to stage the race in the country.

F1 axed the Sochi race from its 2022 schedule on Friday in reaction to the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Despite the claim of the promoter, GPFans has been provided with categorical assurances the race will definitely not go ahead this year.

In its statement, the promoter said: "According to the official statement released by FORMULA 1 on 25/02/2022, due to the current political situation in the world, the FIA has decided to suspend preparations for the Formula 1 World Championship round in Russia previously scheduled to be held in Sochi in September 2022 because it is impossible to hold it in the current circumstances.

"The agreement between the official Russian Grand Prix promoter ANO "ROSGONKI" and FORMULA 1 is suspended due to force majeure events.

"The purchased tickets are not cancelled – there is no need to get refunds for them now because it is still possible that the round will take place and will be held as previously scheduled.

"ANO "ROSGONKI" continues its business as usual providing services to the Sochi Autodrom guests, as well as organising and holding motorsport and other events of the federal, regional and municipal level as part of the event calendar approved."

The decision to pull the race from the calendar was met with widespread praise from teams and drivers after Sebastian Vettel had previously stated he would not attend the event if it did go ahead.

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