Motorsport UK hails 'significant victory' on Vnuk insurance law
Motorsport UK has hailed the British government's decision to exempt the UK from the European Union's Vnuk law that threatened to render motorsport insurance unfeasible as "a hugely significant victory"
The European Union's interpretation of a 2014 court case, brought by Slovenian Damijan Vnuk after he was knocked off his ladder by a reversing tractor in 2007, resulted in changes to its Motor Insurance Directive that required all vehicles to be insured even if being used on private land.
The implications of the Vnuk insurance issue were significant for motorsport, because any collision between racing cars would be treated as a road traffic accident and subsequently involve the police.
The changes to the Motor Insurance Directive threatened to make insurance policies for motorsport prohibitively expensive, to the tune of an estimated £458 million per year, prompting Motorsport Industry Association chairman Chris Aylett to comment that it "could close down all motorsport" in EU countries.
PLUS: The threat to motorsport's future that won't go away
After extensive lobbying, a crucial vote in January 2019 by an EU Parliamentary committee went in favour of motorsport by excluding motorsport from the amended wording of the MID. This was subsequently approved by the European Parliament.
However, the amended legislation still had to be approved by each member state before coming into effect.
Following Britain's official exit from the European Union on 1 January 2021, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has now announced that the UK would scrap the "over-the-top" Vnuk requirement from British law.
Responding to the news, a Motorsport UK statement welcomed the move, saying Vnuk "would have posed an existential threat to motorsport, risking tens of thousands of jobs in the process".
Motorsport UK chairman David Richards said: "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."
Why UK national clubs must work together to survive
From the archive: Confessions of the race instructors
Armstrong joins Ganassi for IndyCar road and street courses
Formula 2 race winner Marcus Armstrong has signed a deal to drive a fourth Chip Ganassi Racing entry on 2023’s road and street courses.
Watch Qualifying Now – Le Mans Virtual Series, 500 Miles of Sebring
Watch qualifying for the fourth round of the 2022 Le Mans Virtual Series which will take place at Sebring
Mercedes' F1 strategy chief Vowles eyes next racing challenge
After Formula 1's gruelling 2022 schedule, you could forgive hard-working team personnel for wanting to switch off completely and not see a motor racing paddock for a while.
Ferrari’s Binotto F1 split looks ‘strange’, says Brundle
Ferrari’s parting of ways with team boss Mattia Binotto appears ‘strange’ if no top-level figure has been lined up to replace him, reckons Sky Formula 1 pundit Martin Brundle.
How Lotus emerged as a period Goodwood force
Colin Chapman’s marque was the most successful across Goodwood’s 71 contemporary era Members’ Meetings, from 1949 to 1966. Many of the future Formula 1 pacesetter's finest creations will be in action during this weekend's 2022 event, attempting to re-live an era when period Lotus was gaining unstoppable momentum
How to get the best out of amateur racers
Pro-Am GT racing is booming. But how should drivers approach working with an amateur? Autosport sought out a panel of experts to explain the pitfalls amateur drivers should avoid and how professionals can help them to achieve their goals
How Radical revamped its record-breaking flagship model
Just over a year ago, Autosport sampled Radical’s newest offering: the SR10. Now upgraded, it’s clear to see why it’s become the manufacturer’s fastest-selling model
The second-generation Can-Am racers that took the UK by storm
When Thundersports was introduced in 1983, few could have predicted that it would bring an army of heavy metal from the United States to British circuits. The awe-inspiring former Can-Am racers became a new domestic flagship category that captivated spectators and drivers alike
The father and son team taking GT racing by storm
GT Cup title winners Richard and Sam Neary emerged as a race-winning force in British GT in 2021. The father-and-son pairing have done it the hard way with their family team – and 19-year-old Sam is only just getting started on a career he hopes will lead to factory opportunities in the near future
Track testing an outgoing stalwart of British motorsport
The current GB3 Championship car is due to be replaced next season. Autosport got behind the wheel to discover why it's been a popular machine for drivers making their way up the junior single-seater ladder
Inside the lightweight Czech sportscar making its mark on the UK
Ahead of Praga running its own standalone series in partnership with Britcar, Autosport got behind the wheel of the Czech company’s R1 at Donington – and was left very impressed
How rocket O'Sullivan banished painful memories with GB3 glory
After missing out on the 2020 British F4 title in astonishing fashion, Zak O'Sullivan was determined to earn his first car racing title stepping up to the BRDC British F3 championship. While the series underwent a mid-year name change to GB3, the Carlin driver was imperious throughout and deservedly claimed the title in his rookie year