November 2021

Rossi reunites with his championship winning bikes ahead of his last MotoGP race in Valencia

Kevin Peterson3 years ago11 months ago04 mins

A special display awaited Valentino Rossi as he arrived for the start of his final Valencia GP race weekend, in Valencia on Thursday. One bike from each of his nine world championship seasons was assembled, plus a representative from each of the respective factories: Lin Jarvis for Yamaha (2004, 2005, 2008, 2009), Alberto Puig for Honda (2001, 2002, 2003) and Massimo Rivola for Aprilia (1996, 1998). “The last race I want to try to make normal, but it’s not possible! It’s a great emotion and already from today to see all the bikes together and all the riders from MotoGP here is a great feeling,” said Rossi. “I have the bikes at home, except the Hondas. I have all the Aprilias and all the Yamahas. The Yamahas are in my house, the 2004 model is in my bedroom, so every morning when I wake up I see the bike! “But to have them all together like this is a great emotion and it’s a long way from the first one, a really long time ago, also if you consider that after the last one [in 2009] have another 10 years! It’s a long way and a great emotion.” Rossi was seen speaking to Puig about the 500cc NSR two-stroke as they posed for pictures, later revealing he had been asking if Honda would allow him to keep the bike he says was promised to him but never delivered. “I spoke with Alberto and I ask for minimum for the 500, also because that 500 is my 500, it’s the bike that Honda was supposed to give to me,” Rossi said. “I was ready to take it, I have already the place at home, but after for some reason the bike never arrived. “I’m happy if Honda changes their mind and give me that one. For sure, the bike will be well looked after, at a good temperature and have a good place in my house!” Rossi won the last ever 500cc world title for Honda in 2001, then the opening titles of the new four-stroke MotoGP era in 2002 and 2003, before stunning the sport by switching to the struggling Yamaha factory where he won the title at his first attempt. While Jarvis was instrumental in tempting Rossi to Yamaha in 2004 and has overseen all his seasons on the M1, Puig and Rivola arrived at HRC and Aprilia respectively long after Rossi’s era at the factories. Editorial Note: Watch a video on YouTube of Rossi’s reunion with the winning race bike here.

Lewis Hamilton more likely to face grid penalty in the Brazilian GP

Kevin Peterson3 years ago3 years ago04 mins

Lewis Hamilton’s quest to win a record-breaking eighth world championship could be dealt a further blow in the Brazilian GP this weekend with the Mercedes driver facing a grid penalty. Hamilton’s team are considering an engine change, which would exceed the number of parts their driver is allowed to use. The Englishman served a 10-place grid drop at last month’s Turkish Grand Prix after taking on his fourth power unit of the campaign. He finished fifth, three places behind Max Verstappen. Hamilton heads into the final stretch 19 points adrift of the Dutchman, and the loss of further ground at Interlagos may all but end his title charge with only 78 points remaining after Sunday’s race. When asked about the possibility of an engine change, Hamilton refused to rule it out. “I cannot really comment at the moment,” the 36-year-old said. “As far as I am aware, my engines are fine, but I will find out later on. We have not even done an engineering briefing yet.” Hamilton, who finished a distant second to Verstappen last weekend in Mexico City, would serve any penalty after the conclusion of Saturday’s sprint race. The result of the sprint determines the grid for Sunday’s main event. But Hamilton says a charge back through the field will be fraught with problems after suggesting the Interlagos track – the venue of his superb 2008 maiden championship triumph – is among the hardest to pass on the Formula One schedule. The circuit is also expected to suit Verstappen’s Red Bull machinery. “This is not a very good track for overtaking,” added Hamilton, who has just one victory from his last eight appearances. “You have to have a 1.1 second advantage on the car ahead to have a 50 per cent chance, or something crazy like that, of making the move. “I would imagine the challenge this weekend is as steep as it can be. Red Bull’s pace was phenomenal at the last race, and they have had the strongest car this year, so we have done as well as we could. “We are going to be pushing this weekend to see if we can squeeze any more out of the car. But last time here they were incredibly strong so we anticipate they will be hard to beat. “Every race is a must-win race and it has been that way forever – particularly since we came back from the summer break – but we have not been able to do so.”

Repsol Honda will not be finding a replacement for Marquez in Valencia

Kevin Peterson3 years ago3 years ago03 mins

Pol Espargaro will be the Repsol Honda Team’s sole rider in this weekend’s MotoGP season finale at Valencia, as Marc Marquez remains sidelined. Then, it was Honda test rider Stefan Bradl who filled the breach, as he had done when #93 missed most of last season and the first two rounds of 2021 due to his badly broken arm. However, the German has not been called up this time around, meaning only #44 will be in the garage at the Valencia Grand Prix. “On Tuesday it was announced that Marc Marquez will miss both the Valencia GP and the Jerez Test due to diplopia after a training crash,” read the works Honda team’s pre-event press release, in part. “The Repsol Honda Team have elected not to field a replacement for the Valencia GP weekend.” Espargaro, who moved across from KTM in the last off-season, is enjoying his best run of form to results with Honda. The Spaniard has five top 10 finishes in the last six races, including his first podium on an RC213V at Misano, two rounds ago, and is hoping to continue that form. “First I want to wish Marc all the best during this difficult time and I hope he can recover soon and well,” said Espargaro. “His absence will of course be felt at the track, but we arrive in Valencia still motivated to do our job the best we can. “It’s a circuit that I really enjoy a lot, I achieved my first MotoGP podium there in 2018 and I think we can do well there this year. “The circuit is very cold at this time of year and this is good for us. It’s the last race, I want to continue the speed from the last races to end well before 2022 begins in Jerez.” Marquez will also miss the post-season test which takes place at Jerez on November 18-19.

KTM announces Petrucci for 2022 Dakar Rally

Kevin Peterson3 years ago3 years ago04 mins

KTM MotoGP regular Danilo Petrucci has confirmed he will make his Dakar Rally debut in 2022. Petrucci, who has accumulated 10 podium finishes and two wins in his 10 seasons on the MotoGP grid, will fulfil a lifetime dream with the transition into the next stage of his elite racing career after the season-closing Valencia race. ‘Petrux’ is a skilled offroad rider in enduro and motocross but knows the discipline and demands of rally will be a big challenge. Learning from some of the most successful racers in the sport, and experts from the KTM squad that has previously won an outstanding 18 successive Dakar victories, Petrucci has begun his rally preparation as he embarks on the challenge of a switch from MotoGP to the Dakar. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s 2018 Dakar winner and recently crowned FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Champion Matthias Walkner, two-time Dakar champion Toby Price, and reigning Dakar champion Kevin Benavides will be on-hand in the KTM stable to help the MotoGP star make his transition to the sport. “For me it is really a dream come true to race the Dakar. It’s an event I’ve always wanted to do since I was a child when I was watching video tapes of the Dakar Rally from the 80s and 90s,” said Petrucci. ‘Now, thanks to KTM, this dream is coming true. First, I would like to thank KTM for this great opportunity; I think I will be the only rider that in just over one month has competed in MotoGP and then the Dakar Rally – so it is with great pride that I go there. ‘My main target is just to finish the race and enjoy it. The first approach was to have some road book training with Jordi, he competed in the race many times and finished on the podium, so he has been great in helping me learn this special art. ‘I had my first taste of riding the KTM 450 RALLY recently at an initial test in the Dubai dunes, where I was with KTM’s Dakar champions and I was able to learn so much from them – it was great to see them riding, and they were super nice and helpful to me. “I hope the training for the next month will be enough; for sure it will be a tough race, but I am excited.”

F1 teams suffer logistics delay ahead of Sao Paulo Grand Prix

Kevin Peterson3 years ago3 years ago02 mins

Multiple Formula 1 teams are missing key equipment after a logistics delay in the few days between the Mexican and Brazilian grand prix. Poor weather in Mexico on Monday delayed Shipments of Formula 1 hardware heading from Mexico City to the Interlagos circuit. As a result some items will not arrive at the track until Thursday.All teams have been affected by the disruption to a similar degree. The delayed freight includes essential items related to the running of the race weekend. It is expected to arrive at the circuit on Thursday, the day before the first practice session of the weekend begins, leaving sufficient time to complete preparations for the event. “There were delays in freight departing Mexico on Monday due to the weather conditions, meaning some freight is still to arrive in Brazil,” an F1 spokesperson said. “We expect this to arrive tomorrow with no wider impact on the race weekend.” The Sao Paulo Grand Prix is the second of three races on consecutive weekends. Following Sunday’s race F1 and its teams will travel to Qatar in the Middle East, 12,000 kilometres away, for the next round of the world championship.

Press conference schedule for Brazilian GP

Kevin Peterson3 years ago3 years ago03 mins

The Brazilian Grand Prix is just around the corner and that means the drivers can get ready for the first press conference of the weekend. The format is known and Max Verstappen will sit next to Nicholas Latifi. On Thursday prior to a Grand Prix weekend, there is always a press conference for the drivers. Each time two drivers are seated next to each other to answer questions of the different journalists. On Thursday this press conference starts at 4:30pm. Fernando Alonso and Valtteri Bottas will be the first to speak during this press conference. Verstappen will appear later in the session. He will sit next to Nicholas Latifi, who he has complained about many times during practice. Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris are also paired up as former teammates, while Lewis Hamilton and Lance Stroll close the press conference. On Friday there is a press conference for the team bosses at 4pm between the first free practice and the qualifying session. However, not all team bosses will be present at this press conference. First, we have Otmar Szafnauer (Aston Martin) and Andreas Seidl(McLaren), followed by Toyoharu Tanabe and Mario Isola speaking on behalf of Honda and Pirelli. Szafnauer’s press conference will be interesting after he was linked to a switch to Alpine this week. Brazilian GP: FIA Press Conference Schedule THURSDAY, 11 NOVEMBER, 1230 HOURS LOCAL TIME Fernando Alonso (Alpine)Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) Nikita Mazepin (Haas)Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren) Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri)Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin) Antonio Giovinazzi (Alfa Romeo)George Russell (Williams) Kimi Räikkönen (Alfa Romeo)Mick Schumacher (Haas) Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri)Esteban Ocon (Alpine) Max Verstappen (Red Bull)Nicholas Latifi (Williams) Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)Sergio Pérez (Red Bull) Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)Lando Norris (McLaren) Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) FRIDAY, 12 NOVEMBER, 1400 HOURS LOCAL TIME Otmar Szafnauer (Aston Martin)Andreas Seidl (McLaren) Toyoharu Tanabe (Honda)Mario Isola (Pirelli)

Mazepin denies allegations that he was ‘kicked out’ of nightclub

Kevin Peterson3 years ago3 years ago02 mins

Nikita Mazepin’s representatives have hit back at claims the Russian driver was kicked out of a nightclub in Mexico last Sunday. Video footage has emerged of the controversial Haas rookie arguing with staff as he attended the club with Haas mechanics and fellow F1 drivers George Russell and Alex Albon. Reports suggested Mazepin was in the process of being ejected from the venue. “He was not kicked out,” a spokesperson for the driver told Tass news agency. “On the contrary, he reserved a table to honour a team engineer for whom the race in Mexico was his last. He invited the whole team, and when they came to the entrance, they were not allowed to come in for a time. “Nikita went to talk to the guards personally, and after that everyone was allowed into the club. So no one kicked anyone out – it was the opposite. “Nikita stood up for the team so that everyone could enjoy the party,” the spokesperson added.

London Grand Prix coming soon as track construction plans are underway

Kevin Peterson4 years ago4 years ago03 mins

Plans to build a new Formula One race track in the heart of London’s East End are closer than ever with talks said to be at an advanced stage. According to a report in the Daily Mail, US investment firm 777 Partners and an unnamed UK sports group are looking to build a brand new complex at the Royal Docks in Newham, east London that would be capable of hosting a grand prix. Both 777 Partners and the UK group have also been in talks with F1 about the possibility of adding their race to the calendar in addition to the current British Grand Prix at Silverstone, with the proposal also having the backing of London mayor Sadiq Khan. Speaking about the plans, 777 Partners founder Josh Wander, said: ‘We are hopeful that it is coming. We are hugely excited about it.’ ‘There will be an electric atmosphere as the greatest athletes in the world, along with an international fanbase and the world’s largest companies as sponsors, descend on the Docks for race weekend. ‘More importantly, we will build a world-class sports and entertainment complex that can serve the community year-round and revitalise the surrounding areas. It is the type of thing you really can’t quantify until it actually happens, but the impact is dramatic.’ The plans to build a new track were supposed to be at an even more advanced stage by now, but progress was delayed by the covid-19 pandemic. However, the proposal now looks to back on track with Khan hoping to persuade the organisers to turn the race into a carbon neutral event, where spectators would get to and from the track by public transport only.

Alfa Romeo sets date for driver announcement amid tensions after sabotage claims by Giovinazzi

Kevin Peterson4 years ago4 years ago05 mins

Tension keeps growing in the Alfa Romeo’s box as driver Antonio Giovinazzi was left, once again, disappointed by the strategies decided by the team during the Mexican Grand Prix. Antonio Giovinazzi quickly became one of the most discussed drivers of the 2021 season thanks to his often-surprising exploit in qualifying, which led him to consistently outqualify his teammate Kimi Raikkonen. However, Antonio was rarely able to finalize his Saturday performance during the races due to a combination of bad luck and costly mistakes from the team, the latter being the absurd strategy call during the Mexican Grand Prix. The Italian driver started the Grand Prix from 11th but immediately climbed up to 6th due to the accidents involving various drivers during the first lap as well as his now proven ability to conquer positions at the start. He was then able to fend off from Sebastian Vettel to remain in 7th before being instructed to box on lap 16. To understand how unusual and even senseless the strategy call was, it must be understood that Pirelli believed the pit window to be between lap 22 and 32. Moreover, Giovinazzi was still in a good condition with Vettel not getting any closer. After the pit stop, the Alfa Romeo driver was stuck behind Daniel Ricciardo and Valtteri Bottas and couldn’t move past the obviously more performant car. Dirty air damaged his tyres and at that point, his race had been completely ruined. Finally, the Italian finished the race in 11th without conquering any points. Unfortunately, the Mexican Grand Prix hasn’t been the first time Alfa Romeo provided Antonio Giovinazzi with reckless tactical decisions but this time the Italian was finally able to speak up and ironically thanked the box for the strategy at the end of the race. Later on, when asked by Sky Sports Italy about whether he feels like Alfa Romeo is trying to sabotage him, Giovinazzi admitted: “I didn’t want to believe it until now but today I’m really disappointed”. Italian sportsmen sided with the driver through a social campaign that was shared by the likes of Chelsea player Jorginho, showing his pride in Giovinazzi. Support for the Italian also came from the Elkann family, as Lapo Elkann, brother of the president of Ferrari John Elkann, tweeted after the race: “I have great respect for Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen Team Principal but seeing an F1 team damaging his driver is really sad and enraging. I stand with Giovinazzi, an Italian talent who deserves the fans’ affection. “. Furthermore, if it’s now clear Antonio Giovinazzi is set to leave Alfa Romeo at the end of 2021, Alfa Romeo Team Principal Frederic Vasseur announced to Canal+ during a Twitch live the decision regarding who will side Valtteri Bottas at Alfa Romeo in 2022 has been taken and the announcement is set for the 16th of November. Hence, Guanyu Zhou seems set to debut in Formula 1 in 2022. Meanwhile, the hypothesis on Giovinazzi’s future is that the driver might join Ferrari in its alternative programs, such as GT or Hypercars. Whatever the political situation at Alfa Romeo is, it remains the fact that a driver that worked hard for the team should be treated with more respect in what could be his last season at the pinnacle of F1.

Verstappen will not be easing pressure on Mercedes, wants to win last four races – Marko

Kevin Peterson4 years ago4 years ago03 mins

Max Verstappen is not going into ‘cruise’ mode to simply manage his 19-point championship lead over Lewis Hamilton for the last four races of 2021. “He will drive for victory in every race,” declared Dr Helmut Marko, who revealed that he is recovering from a case of gastrointestinal ‘Montezuma’s Revenge’ after Verstappen’s most recent win in Mexico. “It’s nothing dramatic,” said the 78-year-old Austrian. “I’ll be fit again in Sao Paulo.” Also fit and strong, Marko insisted, will be Hamilton and Mercedes, even though Interlagos is expected to be another circuit that suits Red Bull better. “Mercedes is an extremely strong opponent,” he told f1-insider.com. “We have to keep applying the pressure and setting ourselves high goals. “That’s why we want a one-two in Sao Paulo. “Trying to just get podiums and points to win the title in the end is useless,” Marko continued. “It’s not in Max’s blood. “Experience also shows us that the error rate can actually increase if you try to take it more slowly than usual.” He is sure, however, that Verstappen will not creak under the pressure of trying to win his first F1 title against the sport’s most successful driver in history. “Max still surprises us,” said Marko. “You think he’s already at his peak performance and then he goes one better. It’s unbelievable what kind of capacities he has at his relatively young age.” Verstappen, 24, confirmed Marko’s claim that he won’t be easing off the throttle in Brazil and beyond. “I know I’m in the fight, but it doesn’t change my approach,” he told Square Mile magazine.

Miami GP hot lap simulation with George Russell

Kevin Peterson4 years ago4 years ago02 mins

Williams driver George Russell has given a glimpse into the Miami Grand Prix circuit due to make its F1 debut next season. Russell recently visited the Hard Rock Stadium, home to Miami Dolphins American football team, around which the 19-turn, 5.41km Miami International Autodrome will be laid out for the May 6-8 event. FIA race director Michael Masi recently dismissed concern the grand prix would resemble others in the United States in the past and be nothing more than a race around a car park. Russell, however, was suitably impressed after conducting a number of laps on a simulator, describing it as “really, really cool”. “[There are] Lots of fast-flowing sections, I feel there will be plenty of overtaking opportunities as well but also a real street vibe with some tight and twisty corners,” added Russell, speaking in a video on Williams’ YouTube channel. “It will be really interesting to see how we get on when we come here next year but so far so good.” Watch George Russell’s simulation tour in Miami Circuit here..

Marquez to miss Valencia season finale due to vision problems

Kevin Peterson4 years ago4 years ago04 mins

Marc Marquez’s MotoGP season is over after he was ruled out of this weekend’s Valencia Grand Prix and the Jerez test which follows due to ongoing vision problems. The six-time premier class champion missed last weekend’s Algarve Grand Prix after a training crash left him with concussion. Despite resting at home for a week now, he continued to feel unwell and suffer from vision problems. Yesterday (Monday, local time), he was visited by ophthalmologist Dr Sánchez Dalmau at the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, who examined him. Tests picked up a new episode of diplopia, otherwise known as double vision, and he will not ride a MotoGP bike again this year. “The examination carried out on Marc Marquez today after the accident that occurred has confirmed that the rider has diplopia and has revealed a paralysis of the fourth right nerve with involvement of the right superior oblique muscle,” said Dr Dalmau. “A conservative treatment with periodic updates has been chosen to follow with the clinical evolution. “This fourth right nerve is the one that was already injured in 2011.” Marquez suffered from vertical diplopia in 2011 after a crash in a Moto2 session at Sepang left him with paralysis of that same muscle due to trauma to the fourth right cranial nerve. The latest injury means he will have missed a total of four rounds by season’s end, having sat out the first two as he continued to recover from the bad arm facture which he suffered in Jerez last year. Nevertheless, he is currently sixth in the standings, edging Brad Binder on a countback, and cannot finish any worse than seventh, meaning he will be the top Honda rider for 2021. Marquez has scored three wins this year, including two in what have ended up being his last two starts of the campaign. There is no word yet on a replacement but it is highly likely that Honda test rider Stefan Bradl will fill in again, given he has done so on the other three occasions. Practice at Valencia begins on Friday, while the Jerez post-season test takes place on November 18-19.

F1 introduces new grid rules for celebrities after Megan Thee Stallion incident

Kevin Peterson4 years ago4 years ago04 mins

Martin Brundle will no longer have to contend with celebrities’ bodyguards during his pre-race gridwalks following his Austin run-in that went viral. The Sky F1 broadcaster reached a new level of fame, and especially in America, following his attempts to interview rapper Megan Thee Stallion. Although the artist herself appeared reasonably happy to talk to Brundle when he approached her while walking down the grid, her entourage had other ideas. A bodyguard walking in front turned around and warned off the 62-year-old, while another at the back of the group told Brundle he could not “do that”, to which the veteran of 158 grand prix starts replied: “I can because I just did.” After that incident, Brundle called for “manners and respect” from those accompanying celebrity guests when they are on Formula 1’s patch, while the episode was replayed and discussed on American TV shows besides going viral on social media. At the Mexican Grand Prix, Brundle confirmed new protocols had been introduced after Austin, which was his first gridwalk since the onset of the pandemic delayed the start of the 2020 season. Now, not only will bodyguards not be allowed on the grid but celebrities must also make themselves available for a short interview. “There have been new rules introduced, that any celebrities on the grid must not have bodyguards any longer,” confirmed Brundle on Sky F1. “It must be the ‘Brundle clause’ and they are obliged to talk to me. I sort of like it if they ignore me, to be honest.” Brundle clearly prefers talking to celebrity guests who have a genuine interest in F1 rather than those who are simply there to promote themselves. “I like to call out some of the celebs I think are just using the grid a little bit, if I’m honest. They don’t really have a passion,” he said. “I know there are millions of fans at home going ‘I should be on that grid. I’m a massive Formula 1 fan, not them’. “But my claim to fame at last. I get ignored by Megan Thee Stallion, I get biffed out of the way by a man mountain and then told off by a Malfoy lookalike who doubtless was on his first ever time to a Formula 1 grid. “I put out a simple tweet about it and got five million impressions. I don’t understand any of that, to be honest.”

Gasly ‘extremely happy’ with Mexican GP performance as AlphaTauri levels with Alpine

Kevin Peterson4 years ago4 years ago03 mins

Pierre Gasly has hailed his performance in Mexican GP as AlphaTauri moved level with Alpine in the Formula 1 constructors’ championship Gasly finished comfortably ahead of the two Ferraris to finish fourth at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. It was a lonely race for the AlphaTauri driver, finishing over 17 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc in fifth. “I’m extremely happy, yes. It’s been a fantastic weekend – fifth in quali and fourth in the race,” Gasly said. “Everything was under control with Charles [Leclerc] behind and I could pull away nicely. I managed the whole race, so no, just a fantastic day.” Mexico was an important race for Gasly having not scored in three of the previous four races before the Mexican GP. “Yes exactly. Especially in the last four races… we had two DNFs even though the pace was there. But this weekend, the car was there, we delivered yesterday in quali, we delivered today in the race and finishing [ahead of] the two Ferraris always feels nice.” The result means AlphaTauri sits level on points with Alpine in the race for fifth in the constructors’ championship – the French outfit is ahead on countback thanks to Esteban Ocon’s win at the Hungaroring. Brazil is next up in F1 – the scene of Pierre Gasly’s maiden podium for Toro Rosso back in 2019. “We’re equal on points with Alpine now,” he added. “So it’s my personal target to give that to Franz so I can have a nice Christmas gift at the end of the year! So we’ll keep pushing for that and looking at our work as a team. I think we have our chances and we’ll fight until the end.”

F1 confident Jeddah Circuit will be complete ahead of debut event amid concerns

Kevin Peterson4 years ago4 years ago04 mins

Formula 1 Race Director Michael Masi has expressed confidence over the construction of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit ahead of its debut event. Formula 1 is due to visit Jeddah on December 3-5 for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the penultimate round on this year’s 22-event calendar. A 6km 27-turn quasi street circuit, which is set to be among the fastest on the schedule, is being developed on Jeddah’s Corniche, adjacent to the Red Sea. Photos and videos that emerged from a recent preview segment carried out by Formula 1’s broadcast team highlighted the work that is still required. But Masi has asserted that everything will be ready in time for the circuit’s debut at the start of next month. “There is a lot going on there,” said Masi at the Mexico City Grand Prix. “There is a huge amount of work happening. “The FIA and F1 are getting daily updates of where things are at, and it’s progressing very, very quickly. “Yes, there’s a lot to do – there’s nothing to deny there, I think everyone will acknowledge there’s a lot to do – but I’m still confident of the race going ahead, no problems.” Masi pointed to previous circuit builds in conceding that “there’s always an element of worry with everything” but outlined that “having been involved [with] Korea in 2010, and I think India was talked about, [and] both of those went off with no problems, I’m quite confident Saudi will be exactly the same.” Masi is due to make another visit to Jeddah ahead of its inaugural grand prix, either shortly before or after the preceding event in Qatar. “There are areas absolutely complete [and] the quality of work is first class,” Masi asserted. “They will finish, I have confidence.” “Given that the Jeddah Corniche Circuit is being built in record time, it was always the case that timings would be tight, but construction remains on schedule and will be completed on time ahead of F1’s arrival next month,” said Saudi Arabian GP CEO Martin Whitaker in a statement. Saudi Arabia has a 10-year contract to host Formula 1 races and next year’s event, set to be held in late March, will also take place at Jeddah. Long-term the plan remains to move the event to the Qiddiya entertainment facility under construction on the outskirts of capital Riyadh. The Jeddah circuit will then form part of the Corniche’s regeneration that includes sustainability and environmental projects, along with recreational areas for residents.

Kyle Larson secures 2021 NASCAR Cup title after Phoenix win

Kevin Peterson4 years ago4 years ago08 mins

Kyle Larson completed one of the best seasons in NASCAR history by winning Sunday’s season finale at Phoenix Raceway to claim the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series championship. An 11.8-second pit stop under caution gave Larson the lead entering the race’s final restart with 24 laps to go. Larson did the rest, holding off fellow Championship 4 drivers Martin Truex Jr. (finished second), Denny Hamlin (finished third), and Chase Elliott (finished fifth). Larson, who closes the season with 10 wins, becomes the 35th driver to win a title in NASCAR’s premier series. He does so after spending much of the 2020 season indefinitely suspended by NASCAR following his use of a racial slur during an April 2020 e-sports event. During that period, Larson spent time working to make amends and to mature personally. He also received a second chance to restart his NASCAR career when Hendrick Motorsports signed him to be their driver of the revived No. 5 car. Now, Larson has given the powerhouse HMS its 14th Cup crown. “I cannot believe it,” Larson told NBC Sports after the race. “I didn’t think I’d be racing a Cup car a year and a half ago, and to win the championship is crazy. … There were so many points of this race where I did not think that we were going to win. “And without my pit crew on that last stop, we would not be standing right here. They’re the true winners of this race. They’re the true champions. I’m just blessed to be a part of this group. Every single person at Hendrick Motorsports – this win is for all of us and every one of you. “This is unbelievable, I’m speechless.” Stage 1 began with the Championship 4 drivers taking different strategies off early cautions. Larson pitted for tires on the day’s first yellow at Lap 8, but cycled back toward the front when Elliott, Hamlin, and Truex made their own first stops during a yellow at Lap 16. Ryan Blaney stayed out under the latter caution and kept the lead for the next 30 or so laps. But on Lap 51, Truex passed him for the race lead. While Blaney faded out of the top five, Truex pulled away to the stage win ahead of Kevin Harvick, Elliott, Hamlin and Larson. During the stage break, Elliott jumped two spots to take the race lead off pit road from Truex, whose jack man slipped on his stop but did well to recover. As Stage 2 progressed, Truex’s long-run speed helped him reel Elliott in. Over 35 laps into the run, he reclaimed the race lead from Elliott at Lap 120. A Quin Houff crash brought out the yellow at Lap 130 and brought the leaders to the pits. Elliott again was first off to take the race lead, while Truex fell to fourth and Hamlin fell to ninth with slow stops. Two more cautions for incidents led to another round of pit stops under a yellow at Lap 156. There, Larson came out first ahead of Elliott. Several cars stayed on the track, but during the ensuing restart, the entire Championship 4 were able to pass that group unscathed. Larson went on to win Stage 2 ahead of Elliott, Hamlin, Truex Jr. and Blaney. Larson, Elliott, Hamlin and Truex Jr. kept their positions through pit stops during the stage break and the restart to begin the final stage. Elliott took the race lead back from Larson at Lap 236, as Hamlin in third began to close in with long-run speed of his own. On Lap 245, Hamlin passed Larson for second and began working to catch Elliott. Three laps later, Truex was the first of the Championship 4 to visit pit road. As his car was serviced, Anthony Alfredo slammed the Turn 2 wall to bring out the yellow at Lap 249. However, due to the timing of the yellow, Truex was able to stay on the lead lap. And with the other Championship 4 drivers pitting, Truex stayed out to cycle into the lead while Hamlin was first off pit road ahead of Elliott. Truex and Ryan Blaney (who was also pitting when Alfredo crashed) led the field to green with 58 laps to go. When the field shook out, Truex and Hamlin were first and second, while Elliott and Larson were in third and fourth. As the run went on, JGR’s long-run speed – now bolstered by track position – allowed Truex and Hamlin to pull away. But with 30 laps to go, debris from the car of David Starr brought out the caution to set up the final sprint to the finish

Rossi reunites with his championship winning bikes ahead of his last MotoGP race in Valencia

Lewis Hamilton more likely to face grid penalty in the Brazilian GP

Repsol Honda will not be finding a replacement for Marquez in Valencia

KTM announces Petrucci for 2022 Dakar Rally

F1 teams suffer logistics delay ahead of Sao Paulo Grand Prix

Press conference schedule for Brazilian GP

Mazepin denies allegations that he was ‘kicked out’ of nightclub

London Grand Prix coming soon as track construction plans are underway

Alfa Romeo sets date for driver announcement amid tensions after sabotage claims by Giovinazzi

Verstappen will not be easing pressure on Mercedes, wants to win last four races – Marko

Miami GP hot lap simulation with George Russell

Marquez to miss Valencia season finale due to vision problems

F1 introduces new grid rules for celebrities after Megan Thee Stallion incident

Gasly ‘extremely happy’ with Mexican GP performance as AlphaTauri levels with Alpine

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