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Nikita Mazepin returns to racing, secures pole position at STT

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 29, 2026, 10:31 AM

Last updated Aug 29, 2026

Nikita Mazepin returns to racing, secures pole position at STT

Summary

Nikita Mazepin made his competitive return in the Spezial Tourenwagen Trophy at Spa-Francorchamps over the weekend. Driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3, Mazepin finished ahead in Friday's practice session and claimed pole position for Saturday's opening race. His comeback follows the FIA's recent easing of restrictions on Russian drivers, allowing them to compete under their national identity. The FIA announced that drivers from Russia and Belarus can participate without signing neutrality commitments. Mazepin's time of 2:16.618 set a significant lead, surpassing the second-place competitor by over four seconds.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Mazepin returns to racing in the STT at Spa-Francorchamps.
•He secures pole position after topping Friday's practice session.
•Mazepin's time was 2:16.618, outpacing Thomas Amweg.
•The FIA eased restrictions on Russian and Belarusian drivers recently.
•Mazepin lost his F1 seat in 2022 amid geopolitical tensions.

Latest Updates

10:31 AMYahoo Sports — Four years after F1 exit, Mazepin makes statement on racing return

What they're saying

"
Former F1 driver Nikita Mazepin returned to competitive action this weekend in the Spezial Tourenwagen Trophy (STT), getting behind the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG GT3 at Spa-Francorchamps. The Russian immediately made his mark on his comeback, topping Friday's practice session and securing pole position for Saturday's opening race.
— Yahoo Sports

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