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      Petrol heads angry at ‘overreaction’ after Goodwood Festival of Speed CANCELLED for first time ever due to ‘severe wind’

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      PETROL heads have reacted furiously after Saturday’s Goodwood’s Festival of Speed was cancelled due to “severe wind”.Organisers of the popular motorsport event in Chichester, West Sussex, made the announcement on Friday after “consulting meteorologists, health and safety experts and other key stakeholders”.
      The NASCAR Garage 56 car takes part in the 1.16 mile hill climb on FridayCredit: Getty
      Motocross riders perform at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on FridayCredit: PA
      It is the first time in the 30-year history of the festival that a day has been cancelled.
      But it has come much to the dismay of excited festival-goers, many of whom had already purchased tickets.
      The Sunday event is due to go ahead as planned and is sold out, but those who had been planning to attend a day earlier “will not be able to access the site”.
      Those missing out will receive refunds for the event, but many have slammed the organisers for “overreacting” – having lost out on accommodation costs after travelling from across the UK and abroad to attend the event.
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      One said: “We are in the camp site now. The wind isn’t bad enough to knock a one-man B&M tent over with no pegs in, let alone anything more! Could easily make something happen today even if a few things had to be changed up.”
      Another wrote: “Think you have over reacted to forecast. With weather as it was Thursday into Friday you should have pulled the plug then if you were going to, not just today.
      “Thousands left in a right state stuck here there and everywhere.”
      A third said: “I’m laid in my hotel bed and now planning my drive home in the morning. Gutted.”
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      A fourth added: “Just travelled 3 hours and paid for a hotel!!”
      Another wrote: “Absolutely gutted. Travelled 3hrs tonight.”
      It comes after a statement from organisers on Friday said the event would not be going ahead as planned due to “forecasted high winds posing a serious risk to the various temporary structures across the site”.
      An updated statement this morning added: “As per the communication issued last night, due to the severe wind warning, the Festival of Speed will not take place today.
      “Please do not travel to the site. The event will resume as planned on Sunday.”
      It continues: “Thank you for your understanding – further updates will be provided via email in due course. If you are camping over the weekend, you are welcome to stay in the campsites.
      “Please be careful during the high winds and consider taking down gazebos and awnings, securing tents with additional pegs or demounting during the peak wind period.”
      It comes after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for strong winds across the southwest of England and west Wales between 9am and midnight on Saturday.
      Winds are forecast to reach 55mph in exposed places, with travel disruption also expected.
      Read More on The Sun
      Campsite managers will help those staying at Goodwood brave the storm over the weekend.
      Meanwhile, fuming residents say they are trapped in their homes by the Goodwood Festival of Speed – and are taking action against gridlocked roads.
      Petrol heads have been dismayed after Saturday’s event was cancelledCredit: Getty
      Ex-Formula 1 driver Jenson Button attended the event on FridayCredit: PA More

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      Shakira hits the town after ‘cosy date’ with NBA star Jimmy Butler amid Lewis Hamilton ‘love triangle’

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      SHAKIRA brushed off rumours of a love triangle with two sports stars as she hit the town clad from head to toe in black.The pop beauty partied at a star-studded bash on Thursday night – a day after she was spotted on what appeared to be a date with NBA ace Jimmy Butler.
      Shakira stunned in an all black outfit as she partied with other celebsCredit: Splash
      She was spotted enjoying dinner with NBA star Jimmy Butler the day beforeCredit: Splash
      They left Novikov Restaurant & Bar in London just two minutes apartCredit: Splash
      Lewis Hamilton posed with his arm round Shakira in Barcelona following the Spanish Grand Prix last monthCredit: Instagram – Mustafa
      Shakira, 46, and Butler, 33, were pictured leaving Novikov Restaurant & Bar in London just two minutes apart – with the singer escorted to her car by his entourage.
      The pair were said to be getting “cosy” as they enjoyed sushi and cocktails together at the exclusive Italian restaurant in the heart of the capital’s Mayfair district.
      Shakira rocked a figure-hugging denim jumpsuit, while Butler paired black pants and a tee with a red bandana.
      An insider told the outlet the pair looked ‘cozy’ in the restaurant, where they eventually left separately at 1.30am.
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      But just days earlier, Shakira watched from the Mercedes team’s VIP area as seven-times champ Lewis Hamilton, 38, sped to a podium finish on his home circuit at Silverstone on Sunday.
      It was the third time Shakira has watched Hamilton race this season – revving up rumours they are secretly dating.
      But amid speculation of a growing love triangle, a carefree Shakira donned sunglasses and a skimpy top as she partied with other A-listers at Vogue magazine’s party.
      She was pictured being helped out of the Chiltern Firehouse, London, by a man in a blue shirt – believed to be her bodyguard.
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      Shakira and Butler were first linked after the Colombian singer was spotted courtside during last month’s NBA Finals.
      The pair began following each other on Instagram following the game, with Butler – who plays for the Miami Heat – recently liking a snap of the singer after she wowed at Paris Fashion Week.
      Meanwhile, Shakira and Lewis have been spotted enjoying a series of cosy outings together in the wake of her messy split from footballer ex Pique.
      She was pictured beaming at the Spanish Grand Prix last month as she cheered the Mercedes driver to second place.
      Afterwards he was snapped with his arm round her waist as they had cocktails with friends in Barcelona.
      In May, Shakira also watched Hamilton race in Miami – her new home town since moving to the US earlier this year.
      The British speed ace was pictured speaking to her at a restaurant in the city, sparking a frenzy of speculation.
      Days later Lewis picked her up from the back of her £12million beach mansion at the start of a cosy boat trip together.
      The star enjoyed sushi and cocktails with Butler on WednesdayCredit: Splash
      Butler recently liked a snap of Shakira after she wowed at Paris Fashion WeekCredit: Splash
      On Thursday night she attended Vogue magazine’s star-studded bashCredit: Splash
      Shakira watched the race from the Mercedes team’s VIP area in the paddock on SundayCredit: Splash More

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      Watch shocking moment wheel flies off car and hurtles into crowd in terrifying scenes at Goodwood Festival of Speed

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      SPECTATORS reeled in horror as a wheel flew off a car and into the crowd at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.Amazingly, no-one was seriously hurt despite a rear wheel spinning off a classic Mk1 Jaguar, hurtling hundreds of metres and rearing up into packed rows of fans behind barriers.
      Viewers were stunned to see the worrying incidentCredit: https://twitter.com/Sara4843/status/1679532297488326656
      The wheel flew off the car
      It ended up above the car
      Fans ducked for cover as the wheel hurtled into the crowd
      It’s understood two people suffered minor injuries and the accident meant a 40-minute hold-up to the runs.
      But a Goodwood statement said: “Following the incident on the hillclimb we’re pleased to confirm that there were no serious injuries and those involved were able to go back to enjoying the event.”
      Many viewers watched the worrying incident unfold live on their screens.
      Goodwood promised to “prioritise the wellbeing of the people involved”.
      And within minutes of that message they were able to issue their reassuring statement.
      Fans online immediately reacted with relief.
      One said, “So glad to hear that everyone is ok” and a second wrote: “News I’ve been waiting for.”
      A third posted: “Best possible news – such a relief. I hope the driver is not too shaken up.”
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      Some witneses told Motor1.com that a wheel hit an older man, who was able to speak to officials before being taken away in a hospital.
      Runs restarted with the hybrid McLaren Artura leading a row of supercars ascending the hill. More

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      Red Bull ‘approach Lando Norris & Charles Leclerc’ with F1 duo tipped to replace Sergio Perez.. and maybe Max Verstappen

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      LANDO NORRIS and Charles Leclerc have held talks over signing for Red Bull, according to reports.The team are currently dominating F1 with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez the top two in the driver standings.
      Lando Norris has been linked with a move to Red BullCredit: EPA
      Charles Leclerc has reportedly held talks with Red BullCredit: The Mega Agency
      But the duo could soon leave with the Mexican’s contract up at the end of the 2024 season.
      Meanwhile, Verstappen has previously hinted he could retire when his deal expires in 2028.
      Reports in Italy state that Red Bull are looking to recruit a new driver for the 2025 campaign.
      And both Norris and Leclerc have been approached.
      READ MORE ON F1
      The Brit is supposedly highly-rated by Red Bull chiefs and was close to joining them before penning a deal at McLaren.
      Norris’ contract runs until 2025 and he reportedly has plans to remain there.
      Meanwhile, Leclerc sits seventh in the standings and has podiumed just twice this campaign.
      With his contract up in 2024, there has been speculation he could replace Perez.
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      Suggestions have also been made that Leclerc could be growing frustrated at Ferrari’s disappointing start to the season.
      The 25-year-old has been linked with taking Lewis Hamilton’s spot at Mercedes should he step away from F1.
      Yuki Tsunoda is also an option for Red Bull after impressing at sister team AlphaTauri this year.
      Red Bull’s duo of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez could soon leaveCredit: PA More

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      I’m an F1 expert – I know exactly why stars Like Cara Delevingne and Tom Cruise are making the starting grid a hot spot

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      MOVE over Cannes, take a running jump Ascot . . . the new place for any self-respecting celebrity to be seen at is Formula 1.The hallowed grid, where drivers prepare for the race, is a hotspot like no other, with incredible access to the sport’s top drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
      Shakira was one of the many celebs seen at the Formula 1 grid this yearCredit: NICOLAS GERARDIN
      Tom Cruise was seen with Shakira at the 2023 Miami Formula One Grand PrixCredit: AFP
      And the 2023 season has seen it flooded with A-listers, from Tom Cruise, Kylie Minogue and Paris Hilton to Cara Delevingne, Shakira and Brad Pitt.
      Last weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone was packed with celebs and, in a bizarre moment, even had Homeland actor Damian Lewis singing the national anthem.
      But while the stars add an even glitzier veneer to the world’s most dangerous sport, not all are willing to play the game.
      Cara’s cringeworthy refusal to speak to F1’s legendary roving reporter and former driver Martin Brundle was blasted “rude”.
      read more on f1
      Here, two people who know all about it – our Formula 1 correspondent Ben Hunt and former grid girl Lizzie Cundy – explain why the high-octane sport is No1 for showbiz royalty.
      ACCESS to the grid before a Formula 1 race is rather like walking out on the pitch before the Champions League Final.
      It marks one of the most exclusive areas on the planet. A rare opportunity for the worlds of F1 drivers to collide with Hollywood A-listers, sport stars and politicians.
      You are only allowed on to the grid if you are invited.
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      You cannot buy the passes that gain you entry, that’s not how it works.
      Brad Pitt filmed scenes for a new movie at the British Grand Prix in SilverstoneCredit: Splash
      And I’ve had the privilege to do it for the past 11 years as The Sun’s F1 correspondent.
      I’ve seen them all, from Pele to Pamela Anderson, Arnold Schwarzenegger to Sir Elton John — and many better examples.
      But in recent years, under the ownership of Liberty Media and fresh off the wave of popularity created by Netflix’s Drive To Survive show, the list of A-listers is growing.
      Last Sunday’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone was a peculiar mix of The Speaker of the House of Commons and Eurovision singer Sam Ryder.
      The idea is that celebrities are allowed on to the grid to see the cars and the drivers before they set off on their two-hour race.
      It is good for them to get the experience, it is good for F1 to have them associated with the sport, with the images beamed across the world.
      Usually, the guests are invited by the F1 teams to the races and then F1 chiefs will in turn offer them access to the grid.
      They are ushered on a few minutes before the national anthem while a team of mechanics put the finishing touches to their race cars.
      It is an assault on the senses. It is hectic.
      The mechanics and engineers are running through their checks while the engines are fired into life, prompting people to press their hands over their ears to deaden the noise.
      Then there are the additional engines powering air-blowers used to cool the cars’ radiators.
      There’s smell of fuel and usually the heat coming off the cars and from the asphalt below your feet.
      Sometimes it is all too much and I bail out, such is the crush of mechanics going about their business and the TV crews seeking out their interviews.
      The grid interviews have long been a part of Formula 1.
      The broadcasters had traditionally focused on the drivers. But now, the celebrities are fair game, too.
      It reached a point in 2021 when Megan Thee Stallion had an awkward exchange with Sky F1’s Martin Brundle.
      Cara Delevingne’s reluctance to be interviewed on Sunday was another toe-curling moment of live TV.
      The reality is, these celebrities should be made aware of the enormity of the experience of being allowed on the grid.
      F1 says it makes it clear to their guests TV interviewers will seek an opportunity to speak to them and encourage the celebrities to agree to their requests.
      But the fact is, for the best part, it is a brilliant experience.
      I just can’t wait to see who is on the grid for the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix later in the year, which promises to be the biggest show on Earth.
      ‘ONLY ELITE GET IN’
      LIZZIE CUNDY, 55, worked as a grid girl at Silverstone from 1988 to 1996.
      Here, she reveals just how glamorous being at a Formula 1 race has always been . . . 
      Lizzie Cundy worked as a grid girl at Silverstone from 1988 to 1996Credit: Getty
      “AS a former Wag, I’ve been to every big, glamorous sporting event you could go to.
      But I’ve never known anything quite like Formula 1.
      These drivers are risking their lives and it’s so fast, so scary. And the noise . . .  there’s just something so special about it all.
      With the likes of Brad Pitt and Cara Delevingne attending this year’s event, you can see how glamorous and super-wealthy you have to be to get in.
      Only the elite get to go.
      I was lucky enough to work as a grid girl and experience the lifestyle with my own eyes, every year for eight years.
      As well as the talented racing drivers, including Ayrton Senna, we would see loads of cricketers and footballers, as well as Hollywood actors, all coming to watch the race.
      Read More on The Sun
      We’d also work at the celebrity races too, and there would always be a big party in the evening in this huge marquee, which was loads of fun.
      There would always be so many famous faces. Anyone who was anyone was there, and it just made you feel so special.”
      Cara Delevingne had a cringeworthy moment when she refused to speak to F1’s roving reporter Martin BrundleCredit: Getty
      Kylie Minogue at the Formula 1 Monaco Grand PrixCredit: Getty
      Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas at the Formula 1 Monaco Grand PrixCredit: BackGrid More

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      Inside Lewis Hamilton and Shakira’s secret wild night out after the British Grand Prix

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      LEWIS HAMILTON and Shakira can’t seem to stay away from one another despite trying to distance themselves about rumours they are dating.The pair have shot into pole position as one of this year’s most unlikely couples after spending a very cosy evening together following the British Grand Prix at the weekend.
      Lewis Hamilton and Shakira cosy up after the F1 Grand Prix in SpainCredit: Instagram – Mustafa
      Shakira joined Lewis for a luxury boat trip in MiamiCredit: The Mega Agency
      The pair were pictured on board a luxury liner recentlyCredit: The Mega Agency
      Shakira flew in to the UK especially to watch F1 racer Lewis take to the track on Sunday.
      I can exclusively reveal that afterwards they spent the night partying with each other in the capital at celebrity haunt Tape London.
      A reveller said: “After watching Lewis come third at Silverstone, Shakira joined him for a massive party at Tape nightclub.
      “They were on a VIP table together in the venue and Shakira was seen locked in conversation with Lewis as well as various other members of his entourage.
      Read More on Lewis Hamilton
      “She appeared to be having a great time and was up dancing close to the table where she had been sitting with Lewis.
      “Shakira called it a night around 3.30am and was picked up by a chauffeur who took her back to the Hotel Café Royal
      “Lewis was more hardcore and stayed out clubbing until 6am and went to The Rosewood hotel for a kip.”
      The onlooker added: “For two people who say there isn’t anything romantic between them, they seemed very friendly.
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      “They’d make a great couple if they did take the plunge.”
      Shakira split from her husband, Spanish footballer Gerard Pique last summer after he dumped her for a younger woman.
      Lewis has been officially off the market for a while but has been linked to a string of glamorous women.
      In the past few weeks Shakira has been seen cheering on Mercedes driver Lewis — a seven-times world champion — at the Grand Prix in Spain and Miami, where she joined him for a luxury boat trip.
      They were also spotted enjoying a cosy dinner in Barcelona not long after Lewis had finished racing.
      I can’t cope with the dithering.
      If I got a chance to wine and dine Shakira, I’d be asking her to marry me within minutes.
      Kim the can-can girl
      KIM KARDASHIAN worked up a sweat after signing a heavyweight ad deal.
      She is bringing out Kimade with Alani Nutrition, which comprises two low-calorie canned drinks.
      Kim Kardashian is bringing out Kimade with Alani Nutrition, which comprises two low-calorie canned drinksCredit: Instagram/Kim Kardashian/@alaninutrition
      Insiders say Kim, who wore a white leotard and held dumbbells while posing next to the tin, commanded an eight-figure sum.
      She is worth £1.3billion thanks to a series of clever brand deals and the huge success of her shapewear line Skims, as well as cosmetics business KKW Beauty.
      Kim came under fire last year for dishing out business advice to other women, which was classed as “offensive”.
      She said: “I have the best advice for women in business. Get your f***ing a** up and work. It seems like nobody wants to work these days.”
      Personally, I think she’s on to something.
      Ozzy out of comeback gig
      OZZY OSBOURNE has been forced to pull the plug on his performance at the Power Trip Festival in the US later this year.
      He was preparing to make his live music comeback after almost five years.
      Ozzy Osbourne, pictured with wife Sharon, has been forced to pull the plug on his performance at the Power Trip FestivalCredit: Getty
      The Black Sabbath rocker has suffered with a number of health issues over the past few years and has now confirmed he’s had to cancel his hopes of getting back on stage.
      Ozzy said: “My original plan was to return to the stage in the summer of 2024, and when the offer to do this show came in, I optimistically moved forward.
      “Unfortunately, my body is telling me that I’m just not ready yet and I am much too proud to have the first show that I do in nearly five years be half-arsed.”
      Insiders told me Ozzy’s wife Sharon had been by his side and was advising him to rest.
      They added: “Sharon knows how dedicated Ozzy is to his fans but she wants him to rest up. His health must come first.”
      Earlier this year Sharon told us his struggles had been compounded after he contracted Covid.
      She said in April: “Ozzy’s Achilles heel has always been his lungs, so to get something like Covid that affects your breathing and all of that was just torturous.
      “It has been very difficult. Ozzy has been plagued medically by different things that have been wrong. It is like one thing leads to another then another. For some reason he is tested all the time.
      “I think, ‘No more, please God’.”
      Zac’s cover story
      SOUND the alarms – Zac Efron appears to have got shy about showing off his body.
      The Hollywood actor clasped his hands over his chest as he soaked up the sun from a super yacht in St Tropez on the French Riviera.
      Zac Efron wore these blue and red swimming shorts and yellow shadesCredit: The Mega Agency
      Zac, who has a body that could give Adonis a run for his money, wore a pair of blue and red swimming shorts and yellow shades.
      When not looking bashful, he was riding a jet-ski in the Med and looking far more at home than he did on board the boat.
      Zac first transformed his body in 2017, when he got a role in Baywatch and said it was hard to get that trim.
      He added last year: “That Baywatch look, I don’t know if that’s really attainable,
      “That required powerful diuretics to achieve. So I don’t need to do that. I much prefer to have an extra, you know, two to three percent body fat.”
      Only two to three, eh? Good to know.
      Liam was real devil
      LIAM GALLAGHER had one hell of pseudonym he used at hotels in his Oasis days.
      Brother Noel has revealed the singer’s “stupid” choice of name during his latest podcast with comedian Matt Morgan.
      Noel Gallagher revealed the pseudonyms used by himself and brother LiamCredit: Getty
      Noel said: “We used to get given names in Oasis but I stopped using them because it was too confusing.
      “People would be referring to you as Mr Bedford and shouting at you, ‘Mr Bedford!’
      “They wouldn’t be stupid ones, they’d be quite nondescript.
      “I was Max Bedford for a year. And then one year I was John Collier.
      “Liam used to always pick stupid ones for himself.
      “He thought it was funny to call himself Lou Cifer, like Lucifer.”
      Dua’s VIP at Barbie premiere
      DUA LIPA is a VIP guest of honour at the European premiere of the new Barbie film tonight.
      Insiders tell me the Levitating singer, who appears in the film as Mermaid Barbie and was also at the US premiere in Los Angeles, has been invited to walk the red carpet in London’s Leicester Square.
      Dua Lipa is a VIP guest of honour at the European premiere of the new Barbie filmCredit: AFP
      A source said: “Dua is one of the biggest stars of Barbie alongside Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling and it’s hoped she will be able to fit the London premiere into her schedule.
      “Her appearance in LA caused a real stir and it’s hoped getting her down to Leicester Square will create the same buzz.”
      As one of the busiest women in music, Dua’s fans will hope she will be able to slide a flying visit into her diary.
      Feast fid for king
      AS far as belated birthday celebrations go, 50 Cent made sure his entourage were well fed when he held a bash after his headline set at Wireless Festival.
      Insiders told me Fiddy, who was 48 on Thursday, ordered 225 Nando’s chicken wings and 100 peri-peri wraps to feed his crew before he went on stage at the North London event on Sunday.
      50 Cent made sure his entourage were well fed after a gig in LondonCredit: Splash
      A source said: “ They had staff bring over bags and bags of goods for his bash. As well as ordering loads of chicken, he had fries with sauces in diamond-encrusted bottles.
      “There were even bespoke napkins with Get Rich Or Die Tryin’, the name of his 2003 album, on them. Naturally there was a free bar too.
      Rihanna’s bumper response
      RIHANNA broke the internet again after showing off her baby bump.
      She took to Instagram to promote a new collection from her lingerie line Savage X Fenty, but it was that growing bump which got all the attention.
      Rihanna took to Insta to promote a new collection from her lingerie line Savage X FentyCredit: savageX.com
      The post was liked more than seven million times and received over 30 thousand comments.
      One fan wrote: “You are actually the definition of beauty.”
      Rihanna launched her clothing brand in 2018 but stepped down from her position as CEO last month, with Hillary Super taking over the role.
      Despite being heavily pregnant, the billionaire businesswoman has kept herself busy and recently appeared in a campaign for Louis Vuitton, with singer Pharrell Williams as the creative director. It’s certainly not all business though.
      Read More on The Sun
      The singer also enjoyed a holiday back home in Barbados with her boyfriend A$AP Rocky and their baby boy, RZA, who turned one in May.
      Rihanna announced her second pregnancy in February, so it’s not long now until baby number two arrives. More

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      MotoGP star Marc Marquez can’t keep his hands off bikini-clad model girlfriend on yacht in Majorca

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      MOTPGP star Marc Marquez has been spotted with his hands all over his bikini-clad model girlfriend.The six-time world champion has been holidaying on a yacht in Majorca with model and influencer Gemma Pinto.
      Marc Marquez could not keep his hands off his girlfriendCredit: Splash
      Marc Marquez headed out on a paddleboard with Gemma PintoCredit: Splash
      Marc Marquez enjoyed a kiss with the bikini-clad modelCredit: Splash
      Marc Marquez and Gemma Pinto went public with their relationship in MayCredit: Splash
      Marquez and Gemma have been snapped embracing on the vessel during their trip.
      The Spanish rider smiled as he wrapped his arms around his partner before they kissed in an intimate moment.
      Gemma also sat down on a paddleboard as Marquez steered them on the water.
      She could not resist leaning back to kiss him after lifting her legs out of the sea.
      READ MORE ON WAGS
      Gemma, who hails from Barcelona, has amassed 106,000 followers on Instagram.
      Her fans have also been treated to snaps from the holiday as she shared a pair of pictures to her profile.
      In the snaps, the loved-up couple can be seen kissing as they enjoyed a dip in the sea.
      Marquez went public with his and Gemma’s relationship back in May but it is unknown how long the pair have been dating.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Marc Marquez and Gemma Pinto are holidaying together in MajorcaCredit: Splash
      Marc Marquez took Gemma Pinto out on the waterCredit: Splash
      Their Majorca getaway has provided a distraction from his difficult start to the MotoGP season.
      After eight races, Marquez sits 19th in the riders’ standings and has yet to finish a race.
      Having only competed in five, Marquez has retired from three and did not start the previous two in Germany and the Netherlands.
      He will be hoping for better luck after the mid-season break, starting with the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on August 6.
      The couple had been relaxing on a yachtCredit: Splash
      Marc Marquez and Gemma Pinto are holidaying during the MotoGP mid-season breakCredit: Splash More

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      F1 driver Nyck de Vries AXED with immediate effect with top star drafted in to replace him remainder of season

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      DANIEL RICCIARDO has made a sensational return to Formula 1 to replace Nyck de Vries who has been axed by AlphaTauri with immediate effect.Australian Ricciardo, 34, failed to secure a seat for the 2023 season after being let go by McLaren.
      Nyck de Vries has been axed by AlphaTauriCredit: Getty
      Daniel Ricciardo looks set for a shock return to Formula 1Credit: Getty
      He returned to Red Bull as their reserve driver behind Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez – a team he won five races with between 2014 and 2017.
      But now he will be on the F1 grid with AlphaTauri – an Italian team owned by Red Bull – as the news was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that he will join them for the remainder of the year.
      Speaking about his return, Ricciardo said: “I’m stoked to be back on track with the Red Bull family!”
      And Franz Tost, AlphaTauri team principal, added: “I’m very pleased to welcome Daniel back into the team.
      READ MORE IN F1
      “There’s no doubt about his driving skills, and he already knows many of us, so his integration will be easy and straight forward.
      “The team will also profit a lot from his experience, as he is an eight-time Formula 1 Grand Prix winner.
      “I would like to thank Nyck for his valuable contribution during his time with Scuderia AlphaTauri and I wish him all the best for the future.”
      De Vries, 28, only joined AlphaTauri ahead of the 2023 season after waiting in the wings as a reserve and test driver for the likes of Mercedes, McLaren and Aston Martin.
      Most read in Motorsport
      But he lasted just 10 Grands Prix before being ditched in ruthless fashion.
      De Vries, without a point in the campaign, failed to finish higher than 12th in any of his races.
      And he ended 50 per cent of his starts 17th or lower – including one retirement.
      Fellow AlphaTauri driver Yuki Tsunoda has secured two points and finished ahead of De Vries in nine out of 10 races.
      Speaking about De Vries’ future back in May, team chief Helmut Marko told F1 Insider: “We spoke to De Vries and he agrees with us, he needs to improve.
      “The gap to team-mate Yuki Tsunoda, who is doing a great job, is too big.
      “To use footballer jargon, Nick has a yellow card but not the red one yet. If he improves, a driver change will not be an issue.”
      Ricciardo will take over from De Vries in time for the Hungarian Grand Prix on July 21.
      He has not raced in F1 since the Abu Dhabi GP on November 20 last year where he finished ninth.
      Read More on The Sun

      The Aussie claimed 37 points for McLaren in 2022 – 85 fewer than team-mate Lando Norris.
      But he has eight Grands Prix wins to his name since making his debut 12 years ago. More