Promoter: Ecclestone still welcome at Russian GP
Aug.27 - Bernie Ecclestone is still welcome at the Russian GP, organisers of the Sochi race have announced.
The former F1 supremo was recently scolded by the sport's new owners after controversially claiming that black people are often "more racist than white people".
Liberty Media reacted by saying the 89-year-old is no longer F1's 'chairman emeritus', with sources suggesting he will also be banned from attending races.
"They might want to try it in Russia," Ecclestone, who had a good relationship with Vladimir Putin, responded. "I think I could probably find a pass."
Indeed, Sochi promoter Alexey Titov told Tass news agency on Wednesday that Ecclestone will be welcome at the Russian GP next month.
"Despite the public conflict, we must always remember about the relationships with people," Titov said.
"In this sense, I am sure the new leadership of Formula 1 will not engage in such nonsense as refusing Ecclestone's attendance at the race on the basis that he has different views.
"Diversity, after all," he quipped.
Daniil Kvyat explained recently that the reason he elects to stand rather than kneel before grands prix this year is because it clashes with the Russian culture.
Titov, however, said the Lewis Hamilton-championed kneeling protest in support of Black Lives Matter will not be forbidden at Sochi.
"We respect the position of all Formula 1 competitors, which is precisely the essence of a free society with a variety of views and opinions," he said.
"One of those, among others, is the freedom to kneel or to act like Daniil and other drivers.
"We are sure that the fans share this philosophy and will support their favourite drivers, for whom the Russian GP will be the first race of the season with spectators in the stands," added Titov.
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What a laugh this is "We respect the position of all Formula 1 competitors, which is precisely the essence of a free society with a variety of views and opinions,"
Free in Russia thats a joke
Bernie is correct, but the P.C. culture cannot accept the truth.
Dear Oldwit, your ideas are as old as 30 years ago. Notice, please, F1 is in Russia. Do you remember F1 in Soviet Union?
the new mob on the block should show more respect for Bernie as he has been there done that and the new mob have a lot to learn for a dying spectator sport MOTOGP is taking over
Bernie's comment on racism is correct. Well done Bernie for voicing your view,& to hell with all this political correctness health & safety crap. The world is going mad.
I think everyone should take a deep breath and remember that Bernie made F1 what it is today. He offered all the teams to join in ownership of his creation, they didn't. Later they all complained about his control.
His comment was correct. There are people on both sides who are biased and wrong headed . When you look under the present movement you'll find there are other things in play which on the surface are not what they seem. I hope that was politically correct enough.
Hamilton is racist to the extent that he dedicates his pole lap to a departed black actor. Has he or will he ever do the same for a white actor that dies?
If Lewis was to accidentally spray Vladimir Putin with Champagne at Sochi, would a couple of heavies be sent to poison him at Vladimir's behest?
David at 94 years commented allow more overtaking stop any blocking completely, on at least one bend dis allow any lane changing in the view of spectators. Introduce all vehicles to have the exact same power, there by wealth will have no influence on race results!
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