Nov.10 (GMM) Russia’s former Formula 1 promoter has formally rejected the sport’s demands for payment over races that never took place, describing its legal position as untenable.
Irina Aurenius, CEO of state-backed ANO Rosgonki, issued a statement after reports emerged that F1 had filed a counterclaim in the ongoing High Court dispute in London.
The case began after Formula 1 cancelled the 2022 Russian GP following the invasion of Ukraine, then terminated its contract with Rosgonki.
The Russian promoter subsequently took legal action to recover money paid in advance for the cancelled race.
“We believe there are no legal grounds for Formula 1 to retain this money, and we are seeking its return,” Aurenius said in the statement carried by Russian media.
“In response, Formula 1 filed a counterclaim, which we consider completely unfounded.”
Aurenius argued that F1 had made its own decision to abandon the Russian GP, making its subsequent demands unreasonable.
“Formula 1 voluntarily decided to cancel the Russian Grand Prix and terminated its contract with ANO Rosgonki,” she said.
“Now, not only is it withholding funds for the 2022 race, but it’s also demanding payment for the subsequent period, even though the Russian Grand Prix was not held.”
She insisted Rosgonki would fight the counterclaim in full.
“In our view, this position is legally untenable. We will insist on the complete dismissal of the counterclaim.”
The Russian GP was held at Sochi from 2014 to 2021 and was due to move to the new Igora Drive circuit near St Petersburg in 2023.
The dispute remains before the English courts.