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Kvyat refuses to sign FIA pledge – cancels WEC season

Daniil Kvyat's return to active duty in the 2022 WEC has been canceled following the former F1 driver's decision not to sign the FIA's mandatory 'Driver Commitment' for Russian competitors.

Last week, in the wake of Ukraine's invasion by Russia, motorsport's governing issued a binding code of conduct that competitors holding a Russian or Belarusian licence had to sign in order to take part in FIA-sanctioned events.

The document featured a series of restrictions imposed on Russian and Belarusian drivers and committed the latter, among other things, to not display their national colors publicly or on social media, and to not express any support for the Russian activities in respect to Ukraine.

Kvyat, who last raced in F1 in 2020 and who was Alpine F1's acting reserve driver last season, had signed a deal to race in the World Endurance Championship this season with Russian LMP2 outfit G-Drive.

Read also: FIA reveals strict code of conduct imposed on Russian drivers

However, G-Drive team boss and driver Roman Rusinoff has refused to sign the FIA 'Driver Commitment' pledge.

"Today, I, the pilot of the Russian G-Drive Racing team, refused to accept the discriminatory conditions of the FIA," Rusinoff wrote on social media.

"The goal of each athlete is to hear the anthem of their country on the podium. Over 10 years of international experience, our team has done this many times.

"We raised the Russian flag, we heard and sang the Russian anthem. For the sake of my fans, for the sake of my teammates and sporting honour, I will not sign this document. Better not to drive at all."

In the wake of the latter's refusal, Kvyat also chose to ignore last Friday's deadline to sign the covenant, although he has made to public comment on his motivations.

The Russian driver, who currently resides in Monaco, was looking forward to competing in the WEC's competitive arena.

Instead, it looks like he'll be spending another year contemplating the Mediterranean from his balcony in the Principality.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.