FIA's Ari Vatanen Calls For Cancellation Of Russian GP Over Ukraine Incursion

Ari Vatanen, who works with FIA President Jean Todt, said that Todt has "privately expressed concerns about the controversial Russian Grand Prix but he is unable to speak freely" because his "hands are tied" on the issue, according to Daniel Johnson of the London TELEGRAPH. A potential "stalking horse" for opposition to the race, Vatanen confirmed that he had "discussed his public intervention with Todt," as he called on F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone and the sport’s owners, CVC Capital Partners, to cancel the race scheduled for next month. Todt has "consistently backed Ecclestone's refrain" that Formula One is not a political sport and that the FIA is "awake to the situation" in Russia. However, Vatanen’s decision to speak publicly "indicates that the Frenchman may hold private reservations and may be happy for the Finn to test the waters." Vatanen: "Of course Jean knows about my comments, we spoke about it. We are friends. I think he partly shares my view" (TELEGRAPH, 9/3).