PICKERINGTON, Ohio – On March 5, 2022, the Board of Directors of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) announced an immediate suspension of all competition within the Motorcycle Federation of Russia (MFR) and the Belarusian Federation of Motorcycle Sport (BFMS).
This comes just days after similar moves were made across other disciplines of motorsports, including F1’s cancellation of the Russian Grand Prix, Haas F1 Team firing Russian driver Nikita Mazepin, and the FIM suspending multiple MXGP races in Russia.
“We stand in sympathy and solidarity with all those suffering, as a result of the Russian invasion in Ukraine, and remain in close contact with our affiliate member in Ukraine (FMU),” stated FIM President, Jorge Viegas. “I would like to thank the FIM Board of Directors members in deciding these measures in the interests of sport and peace. The FIM, together with its promoters and organizers, already acted on this matter and canceled the FIM competitions scheduled in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.”
Fans abroad hold mixed feelings on social media, but ultimately, the move has indefinitely suspended Russian riders from competing in the AMA and CMA (Canada). The AMA is the sanctioning body for the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.
“The decisions announced today are in line with the recommendations and statements made by the International Olympic Committee, adapted to suit our sport,” continued Viegas. “The FIM family is watching the developments in Ukraine with great sadness and hope for a prompt and peaceful resolution.”
The following three rules were laid out and placed in immediate effect:
- To suspend, for the Motorcycle Federation of Russia (MFR) and the Belarusian Federation of Motorcycle Sport (BFMS), the issuance of FIM licences and the FIM licences already distributed. To suspend the functions of persons from MFR and BFMS acting as FIM Officials and as Commissions members/experts/agents of the FIM. As a result, no Russian and Belarusian riders, teams and officials can take part in any FIM Events and activities.
- To suspend the registration of and to cancel all FIM Events such as FIM International Meetings, FIM World Championships and FIM Prize Events taking place in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine and, if applicable, to relocate these FIM Events to another country.
- To interrupt any other FIM activities including but not limited to seminars, commissions meetings, training camps taking place in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.
No Russian rider has been on the entry list yet in 2022 in any of the three major Supercross classes. The last Russian to compete professionally in Supercross was Vsevolod Brylyakov in 2018. He was scheduled on the entry list for the FIM Motocross World Championship on Saturday in Mantova, but the mandate prevented him from participating.
