FIA president Jean Todt has privately expressed concerns over the Russian Grand Prix according to FIA insider and close ally Ari Vatanen.
However, despite growing tension between the West and Russia over its involvement in the Ukraine crisis, Todt is unable to express his concern publicly, says Vatanen – who himself has called for the race to be cancelled.
“Of course Jean knows about my comments, we spoke about it,” he told the Telegraph. “I think he partly shares my view. It is true that his hands are tied. I can say things much more openly and freely than he can.
“I’m not saying he agrees with everything that I say, but he has a much more reduced room for manoeuvre. He cannot do big moves one day to another. Any movement by people starting to talk about it and then it can spread and lead to action.”
Vatanen, who despite running against Todt in the 2009 FIA presidential elections, now works closely with the Frenchman after being appointed to president of the commission for closed road racing.
The Finn made his own feelings on the matter clear and believes F1 must avoid visiting Russia at all costs as it would give the sport a bad image.
“It would send a message of acceptance if we went to Russia. It would say we [F1] condone, effectively, maybe not explicitly, but by our actions we condone what is going on because it is used in propaganda.
“It is often said that Formula One should not mix politics and sport, but the Russian regime is already mixing politics and sport in a blatant way, so we have to respond. It is for Bernie and the owners to cancel the race,” he added.
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