Motorsport UK has announced that its efforts, in collaboration with the UK government, to overturn the Vnuk insurance issue have been successful.
The Department for Transport confirmed that it is currently taking steps to exempt the UK and UK motorsport from rulings set out by the EU Motor Insurance Directive. The announcement means that UK motorsport will no longer be left vulnerable to EU regulations that require vehicles to have insurance, even on private land.
If the proposed EU insurance law was passed, it would have meant that any collision sustained between vehicles during a motorsport event, ranging from grassroots go-karting right through to the very highest levels of F1, would have been treated the same as a regular road incident, thus requiring insurance. In turn this would have created financial implications for the motorsport sector and the possible loss of thousands of jobs.
David Richards, chairman of Motorsport UK, commented, “Today’s announcement is a hugely significant victory for the UK and our sport, after a considerable effort by Motorsport UK and the Department of Transport over several years to defeat the threat of the Vnuk insurance issue.
“This decision provides stability as we seek to progress our sustainability agenda and protects the UK’s preeminent position at the forefront of motorsport technology worldwide. I would like to thank all those who played a part in securing this important outcome, including the MIA and the insurance industry.”
The Vnuk legislation currently applies in the EU where the FIA is fighting for an exemption for motorsport. Presently, Motorsport UK and the FIA are in talks regarding the details behind the ruling as it will affect participants from the UK when driving in EU motorsport events unless the law is reversed.
