FORMULA ONE CANCELS RUSSIAN GRAND PRIX

The Russian Grand Prix has been taken off Formula One’s calendar.

Formula One announced on Friday that none of the teams will be racing in Russia this year based on the invasion of its neighbouring country Ukraine.

Sochi’s Olympic Park would have been the venue for the race scheduled for 25 September, but organisers have now said it was “impossible” to hold the race in the “current circumstances”.

In a statement released on Twitter, Formula One said “we are watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation.

The sporting world has reacted to the crisis as UEFA has moved the final from St Petersburg to Paris while Manchester United has dropped Aeroflot as their sponsor.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his troops to invade eastern parts of Ukraine, a move that has been condemned by the United Nations and several western countries, including South Africa.

Image credit: Sky Sports