While the extraordinary meeting of the Sports Council of the Automobile Club of Italy – convened to take urgent measures following the unspeakable and unacceptable gesture of the Russian kart driver Artem Severyukhin, on the podium of the European Junior Karting Championship in Portimao (Portugal) – is still in progress, we learn that the Board itself has decided to immediately withdraw Severyukhin’s sports licence and has, at the same time, referred him to Sports Justice so that it can assess the definition of further sanctions that fall within its competence.
These measures were inevitable, since Severyukhin’s reckless act showed a lack of respect not only for the universal values that have always inspired all sports, but also for humanity, dignity and civil coexistence.
Severyukhin had obtained an Italian licence, as required by FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) regulations, which allow young drivers of all nationalities the greatest possible freedom of movement between international federations, so that they can grow professionally in those countries – like Italy – that have a great tradition in motorsport training and the training of drivers to become professionals.
Our country, in particular, has always been the most important in the world as far as karting is concerned, as demonstrated by the fact that in 2021 alone, 355 foreign drivers of various nationalities obtained an Italian licence for this discipline.
Official ACI communication