Russian driver Nikita Mazepin has confirmed that he will race in the Silk Way Rally as he returns to action following a contentious exit from Formula One team Haas.
Mazepin was dropped by Haas in March ahead of what was set to be his second season with the US team.
The 23-year-old’s contract was terminated despite Russian and Belarusian drivers being cleared to compete as neutrals by governing body the FIA in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine.
Haas also dumped its Russian title sponsor, fertilizer giant Uralkali, where Mazepin’s businessman father Dmitry was formerly a controlling stakeholder.
Uralkali has since demanded its money back from the F1 team, while Nikita Mazepin has vented his anger at the manner of his exit and what he described as the “cancel culture” fueling the bans placed on Russian athletes.
Both Mazepins have meanwhile been hit with sanctions by the EU.