Russian racer Zhiltsov changed citizenship to participate in the Dakar

Russian racing driver Konstantin Zhiltsov said that he changed his citizenship in order to be able to compete in the Dakar rally. He declared RBCthat “took a sports citizenship and license” of Israel.

Zhiltsov reported “Match TV”that he made a set of documents for himself, and at the stage of the Russian Championship in Ulyanovsk he will already act as a foreign athlete. He explained that “a career in professional sports is rather fleeting, so some cardinal decisions must be made.” “We constantly hear: “Guys, now everything will change,” but so far nothing has changed in terms of the prospects for professional sports for Russians,” the racer believes.

Russian racing driver Sergey Karyakin toldthat he was forced to sign a statement condemning the Russian military operation in Ukraine in order to be admitted to Dakar. He claims that all Russian athletes participating in the competitions of the International Motor Sport Federation are asked to sign this. Karjakin does not want to sign the application. Dakar will be held from December 31 to January 15 in Saudi Arabia.

Laura Keffer