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      Forget changes to circuit and sort out trial by video chaos with drivers handed penalties FIVE HOURS after race finished

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      YOU have to marvel at the audacity of FIA race director Niels Wittich.He suggested the Red Bull Ring make changes to stop a repeat of Sunday’s farce.
      Niels Wittich should accept the VAR-style room at Geneva didn’t workCredit: Splash
      Haas driver Kevin Magnussen veered onto gravel at the Red Bull Ring, which Wittich wants added to the final two corners of the circuitCredit: EPA
      Eight drivers were handed a range of penalties well after Sunday’s raceCredit: Splash
      The Austrian Grand Prix turned into an embarrassment as the stewards were forced to re-watch the race after failing to dish out penalties correctly.
      You had a ridiculous scenario that saw EIGHT drivers issued with post-race penalties that meant the results of the race, which had finished FIVE HOURS earlier, had to be changed.
      Wittich was brought in to replace Michael Masi — the former race director who mucked up the outcome of the 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi.
      Now he wants the Red Bull Ring to install gravel at the final two corners.
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      Doing so would prevent drivers from running wide, the rule his stewards were in charge of monitoring — and issuing penalties.
      But the circuit, also host to the Austrian MotoGP race where gravel is not an option, is not to blame.
      The biggest failure was the FIA’s much-lorded VAR-style room at their Geneva HQ, which was designed for the very purpose of issuing penalties in real time.
      Introduced in the wake of Masi’s cock-up, it is supposed to act as extra pairs of eyes with correct and swift decision making.
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      The Austrian GP showed that it simply doesn’t work and the sport has been made to look amateurish.
      Not only that but it will drive a  bigger wedge between F1 and the FIA.
      There is now a feeling in the paddock that Wittich is simply not up to the task of managing an F1 race.
      He is the  former race director of the DTM series and also held the position in F2 and F3.
      Maybe it is not the Red Bull Ring that needs changing but in fact the race director himself. More

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      Bizarre moment man hovering over Austrian GP in jet pack CRASHES on track leaving F1 star and commentators in shock

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      THE Austrian Grand Prix was engulfed in chaos yesterday as the final standings had to be torn up.And before the race, one very awkward moment was a sign of things to come.
      A performer in a jet pack was seen crashing on the track before the Austrian Grand PrixCredit: Twitter @F1
      Oscar Piastri’s reaction was compared to The OfficeCredit: Twitter @F1
      The big event was supposed to be launched by a synchronised jet pack show.
      However, things went horribly wrong for one unlucky performer, who was seen losing to control and crashing onto the track to gasps from the astonished crowd.
      Yet McLaren driver Oscar Piastri seemed nonplussed as he watched from the garage.
      The official F1 account even commented: “Oscar Piastri nailing ‘The Office’ camera look after this jet-pack mishap!
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      “Glad to see the jet-pack flier in good spirits after too.”
      And after a chaotic race which saw eight drivers given penalties, Piastri, who finished 16th, took the joke in good humour.
      He tweeted: “Wasn’t the only one to have a tricky day.”
      And fans were in hysterics at Piastri’s reaction.
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      One wrote: “Genuinely think it took every fibre of that man’s being to not laugh and my god…. he actually did it.”
      Another tweeted: “Missed that. Damn. Piastri’s reaction is priceless.”
      After seeing the jet pack artist was ok, some fans even wondered if he would be getting punished by the FIA, in the spirit of Sunday’s bizarre race.
      One fan wrote: “Way to go, @OscarPiastri/Michael Scott?
      “Glad the jet-pack flier wasn’t literally blown away by the turbulence of his magnificence. In other words: glad he’s OK!
      “But hey, did he just commit a track limit violation?😅 Or are airborne shortcuts allowed?”
      And another tweeted: “BREAKING NEWS: jet-packer penalized”
      Max Verstappen secured another comfortable victory at the Austrian Grand Prix, which was just about the only thing in the race that went according to the script. More

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      Joey den Besten dead at 30: Tragic motorbike racer dies after crash as tributes pour in

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      MOTORBIKE racer Joey den Besten has died in a crash at the IRRC Superbike race.The 30-year-old crashed after losing control of his bike during the  formation lap for the Imatranajo race on Sunday.
      Joey den Besten died after crashing during a race in FinlandCredit: INSTAGRAM @joeydenbesten
      The Dutchman was a two-time world championCredit: Alamy
      Race organisers paid tribute to the racer in a short statement that reads: “Our most heartfelt condolences to the family and fellow riders. He will be missed.”
      Fans have also honoured Den Besten with kind words following his untimely death.
      One wrote: “God Bless Joey. A terrible incident. My thoughts go to his immediate family and friends.”
      Another added: “Awful news, thoughts are with his family and friends at the very difficult time 🙏🏻”
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      A third said: “Sorry for the loss , God speed 🙏”
      Another commented: “Rip Joey. Talented and fast rider. 😢”
      Den Besten was a two-time world champion in the IRCC Supersport 600 category, tasting success in 2014 and 2017.
      Police are reportedly investigating the incident and an update is expected this week.
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      It comes just days after 18-year-old Dilano van’t Hoff died after being involved in an accident at the Spa racing track in Belgium.
      A minute’s silence was held prior to today’s Formula 2 action in Austria in tribute to Van’t Hoff. More

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      F1 Austrian Grand Prix result CHANGED with new position for Lewis Hamilton after Aston Martin protest is upheld

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      THE F1 Austrian Grand Prix standings have changed after Aston Martin’s protest regarding cars exceeding track limits was upheld.There was no doubt about the winner, with Max Verstappen claiming another comfortable victory ahead of Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez.
      Max Verstappen, centre right, won the Austrian Grand Prix ahead of Charles Leclerc and Sergio PerezCredit: Reuters
      Aston Martin drivers Lance Stroll, left, and Fernando Alonso had their positions changedCredit: Getty
      Lewis Hamilton was pushed down a place after the raceCredit: AP
      But the Aston Martins of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll have been promoted after initially coming sixth and 10th respectively.
      These positions were changed after the stewards confirmed the British team’s protest had been successful.
      The stewards said: “The protest was lodged against the accuracy of the Provisional Classification.
      “The Stewards first considered if the protest was admissible.
      “The Stewards determined that as it was lodged on time and complied with the requirements of Chapter 13 of the FIA International Sporting Code, it was an admissible protest.
      “An examination of the list of deleted lap times provided to the Stewards by Race Control, revealed that a number of track limit infringements had not previously been referred to the Stewards for potential penalty.
      “It was determined that some of these infringements warranted a penalty that was not previously applied when the Provisional Classification was published.
      “These penalties will be reflected in the Final Classification.
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      “Accordingly, the Protest is upheld and the Protest Fee is returned to the Competitor.”
      Lewis Hamilton, who had finished seventh, received a five-second penalty from the stewards for exceeding track limits and was pushed down to eighth after the race.
      And he was critical of the rule during his post-race interview.
      He said: “They need to find a new solution for this track.
      “Years ago when we didn’t have track limits, the track was much more enjoyable to drive.
      “It’s strange to be driving and have to comment on the car ahead because that’s what the team have asked you to do. That’s not racing.”
      Alonso moved up to fifth while Stroll was promoted to ninth.
      Meanwhile, Perez was eliminated in Q2 of qualifying earlier in the weekend after he saw THREE flying laps deleted – all for exceeding track limits.
      And when Hamilton was racing behind the Mexican during Sunday’s race, he was insistent the Red Bull driver was also violating track regulations.
      On the team radio, he could be heard saying: “This guy’s been off every single time. Turn 10. Again.”
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      Hamilton had warned Mercedes earlier on about the struggles he was having to stay within the lines.
      He said: “I can’t keep it on the track, the car won’t turn.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton told off by Mercedes after fuming ‘this car’s slow mate’ as F1 champ Verstappen wins AGAIN at Austrian GP

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      LEWIS HAMILTON earned a ticking off from Mercedes boss Toto Wolff as he was left for dust by Max Verstappen.The Dutchman blasted his way to his fifth straight win and took the fastest lap bonus point on the final lap.
      Max Verstappen won again in AustriaCredit: Getty
      Lewis Hamilton had another disaster dayCredit: AP
      It was a clean sweep, having qualified on pole and taken victory in the sprint race the previous day.
      Verstappen is simply unstoppable and now has an 81 point lead in the championship over Sergio Perez, who finished third, despite starting in 15th.
      Verstappen said: “Most important was staying in front and doing my own race and follow our normal strategy. It was a great day, I enjoyed it a lot.
      “I don’t like to think of [another title]. I have to keep working with the team. A lot of things can go wrong, but a lot of things went right this weekend.”
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      Charles Leclerc was second in a much-needed boost for Ferrari while Lando Norris was fifth behind Carlos Sainz.
      Hamilton was seventh, but was left unhappy after falling foul to the stewards, who punished him with a five-second time penalty for exceeding track limits.
      Verstappen made a good start from pole and was able to cover off the threat of Leclerc and Sainz as the two Ferraris looked to make progress.
      Hamilton was next in line but he did not have the pace to keep up with the front three.
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      He quickly found himself in a battle for fourth with Norris, who was quick to report that the Mercedes man was sliding off track.
      Hamilton was not happy and radioed his team saying “this car’s slow, mate”.
      A few laps later he added, “I can’t keep it on the track, the car won’t turn”.
      The seven-time world champion was soon hit with a five second time penalty by the stewards for running wide at the final turn.
      Hamilton was unhappy and started questioning whether Perez was also being penalised.
      In a series of radio exchanges, Hamilton vented his frustration saying “this guy’s been off every single time. Turn 10. Again”.
      Meanwhile, Verstappen was not having any problems sticking between the white lines.
      And when he pitted from the front on lap 25 for fresh tyres, it was the first time he had not been the race leader in the last 248 consecutive laps.
      It was an impressive run that stretched from lap 47 in the Miami GP some five races ago.
      However, it was not too long before he was at the front again. He passed Sainz on lap 26 and then sailed past Leclerc on lap 35.
      While Verstappen was untroubled, Hamilton was unhappy and earned a rebuke from Merc boss Wolff over the team’s radio.
      Hamilton again asked to find out why others were not being penalised, and Wolff cut in saying “Lewis the car is bad, we know. Please drive it.”
      Hamilton served his penalty on his second pitstop and that killed off any lingering hope of an unlikely podium.
      But there was a good fight for the final podium place as Perez and Sainz battled for third with the Mexican coming out on top.
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      Yet there was time for a huge flex from Verstappen as he pitted on the penultimate lap for new tyres.
      His Red Bull team executed the perfect pitstop and he was able to go and set the fastest lap on the final lap.
      Red Bull put in another strong displayCredit: Reuters More

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      F1 Austrian Grand Prix LIVE RESULT: Max Verstappen seals dominant win, Lewis Hamilton given penalty

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has increased his mammoth lead at the top of the Driver’s Standings with victory at the Austria Grand Prix!Charles Leclerc came in second while Sergio Perez was third.
      Lewis Hamilton picked up a five second penalty as he endured an unhappy afternoon.
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      Follow all the action with our live blog below…
      Move that won the race
      Coming out of the pit lanes, Verstappen found himself in third position.
      Both of the Ferraris were ahead of him and he needed to do something about it.

      Lando capitalises on grid position
      Lando Norris started the race fourth on the grid and drove a good race today to finish fifth.
      Throughout the latter stages he put pressure on Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez to try and move into the podium positions.
      Credit: @F1
      Red Bull dominates Austrian podium
      Christian Horner will be pleased with his drivers’ performances today as they occupy two of the three podium places.
      Max Verstappen continues his domination of the F1 season.
      Sergio Perez rediscovers some of his form we saw at the start of the season.
      Credit: Reuters
      Red Bull share victory together
      As he leapt out of his car, Verstappen was straight over to his team to celebrate his win.
      They know that it is a team effort at every venue and they are giving the drivers all they need to succeed.
      No one can seem to touch Red Bull this season.
      Credit: AFP
      Orange wall celebrates Verstappen win
      It was never any clearer who the fans were supporting today.
      As Max Verstappen crossed the finish line, the party officially started.
      Orange flares being let off, they got what they wanted to see today.
      Credit: @F1
      Red Bull have dominant day on track
      With two of the three podium places in the bag, Red Bull now move 199 points clear in the constructor’s championship.
      It is surely an impossibility for them to lose from this position.
      Their pit stops were by far the best today and the finishes of Verstappen and Perez were a real team effort.
      Verstappen moves one step closer
      Not many would bet against Max Verstappen winning yet another world title.
      With each race, he heads closer to that target.
      An army of Dutch fans celebrating, it was another great drive by Verstappen.
      Credit: AFP
      Bold move by Red Bull
      With only two laps to go, Max Verstappen pitted and changed to soft tyres to try and set the fastest lap.
      A perfect pit stop and the plan works as the Dutch driver sets the fastest time on his last lap of the race.

      Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
      Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
      Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
      Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
      Lando Norris (Maclaren)

      Max Verstappen wins the Austrian Grand Prix
      Lap 69/71 – Verstappen leads, Leclerc second
      Lando Norris takes a corner very wide and is likely to see a black and white flag for that.
      The last thing he wants now is a five second penalty.
      Sergio Perez has managed to build a 3 second lead on Carlos Sainz.
      Lap 67/71 – Verstappen leads, Leclerc second
      Time is running out for the drivers looking to take third place from Sergio Perez.
      Max Verstappen is heading towards his fifth victory in Austria.
      That is the most wins he has had at any track.
      Lap 65/71 – Verstappen leads, Leclerc second
      The battle for the final podium place is enthralling.
      Three drivers all have their eyes on it.
      Only four seconds separates Norris, Sainz and Perez.
      Credit: AP
      Lap 63/71 – Verstappen leads, Leclerc second
      Leclerc has a 12.5 second lead over Perez in third.
      Verstappen seems on course for yet another victory.
      Meanwhile, Norris and Sainz are still trying to put pressure on Perez in third.
      Lap 61/71 – Verstappen leads, Leclerc second
      Max Verstappen now has a 20.4 second lead over Charles Leclerc.
      Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz are having some fight for the podium places.
      Eventually, the Red Bull manages to edge his way into third place.
      Lap 59/71 – Verstappen leads, Leclerc second
      The battle for third is really heating up.
      With both Perez and Sainz having DRS available it is a titanic battle.
      Only half a second separates the two drivers.
      Lap 57/71 – Verstappen leads, Leclerc second
      Sergio Perez has clocked the fastest lap of the day.
      As he puts pressure on Lando Norris, the Red Bull manages to take him on the corner and move into fourth.
      Perez will now be targeting Sainz in third place.
      Lap 55/71 – Verstappen leads, Leclerc second
      Hamilton complains to his team about other drivers not receiving penalties for breaking track limits.
      Toto Wolff tells him to “just drive the car” despite the problems they are having with it today.
      Meanwhile, Verstappen has a 16.3 second lead over Leclerc in second.
      Lap 53/71 – Verstappen leads, Leclerc second
      Perez comes out of the pits in fifth position.
      Hamilton has now dropped into seventh place.
      Lando Norris is looking to put some pressure on Carlos Sainz in third position.
      Credit: AFP
      Lap 51/71 – Verstappen leads, Leclerc second
      It has been a while since we saw two Red Bulls leading the race.
      Perez has had a real dip in form, with qualifying being a real problem for the Mexican.
      As he heads into the pits, Charles Leclerc takes second place back.
      Lap 49/71 – Verstappen leads, Perez second
      As Charles Leclerc heads into the pits, Sergio Perez takes second place.
      It is a Red Bull first and second as it stands.
      Leclerc currently sits in third place, seven seconds behind the Red Bull.
      Lap 47/71 – Verstappen leads, Leclerc second
      Carlos Sainz is not messing around as he takes Lando Norris on the corner after serving his five second penalty.
      There are big gaps between the top four drivers now.
      Sainz will be looking to close the gap on Perez in third.
      Lap 45/71 – Verstappen leads, Leclerc second
      Max Verstappen now has a 12.4 second lead on Charles Leclerc.
      The Dutch driver is proving to be more of a machine than his car.
      Lando Norris now moves up into fourth place.
      Lap 43/71 – Verstappen leads, Leclerc second
      Sergio Perez overtakes Fernando Alonso with ease.
      The Red Bull driver moves into fifth but is quickly in fourth as Lewis Hamilton enters the pits and has to serve his penalty.
      Fernando Alonso now sits in fifth place as Hamilton re-enters the race in eighth position.
      Credit: AP
      Lap 41/71 – Verstappen leads, Leclerc second
      Lando Norris will get a warning for track limit violation.
      Max Verstappen now holds the fastest lap of the day.
      Carlos Sainz is in third and try to put pressure on his Ferrari teammate.
      Lap 39/71 – Verstappen leads, Leclerc second
      Max Verstappen looks focussed having to surrender his lead when he came out of the pit lanes.
      Having only just overtaken Leclerc, he is building a bigger lead by each lap.
      The gap between first and second is now 4 seconds.
      Load more entries… More

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      Shocking price Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney ‘paid for stake in F1 team Alpine’ revealed

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      WREXHAM owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney acquired a stake in the Alpine F1 team for the reported sum of £171million.The Hollywood duo were part of an investment consortium that agreed the deal earlier this week.
      Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney joined a consortium investing in AlpineCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But they have not put any of their money towards the investment, according to the Daily Mail.
      The funds have been provided by investment firms Otro Capital and RedBird Capital Partners, who now own 24 per cent of Alpine.
      While Reynolds and McElhenney have not invested their money, they are expected to leverage their fame to increase revenue, which could include a documentary series akin to ‘Welcome to Wrexham’.
      The owners have built Wrexham into a global brand, reflected by their US tour which will see them take on Manchester United and Chelsea this month.
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      The club also welcomed the world’s biggest airline, United Airlines, as their new shirt sponsor last month.
      Alpine will hope to benefit from Reynolds and McElhenney’s connections, with the former a savvy business outside of his acting work.
      Reynolds, 46, had a stake in gin brand Aviation which sold for almost £500m in 2020.
      He previously invested in mobile phone firm Mint, dating website Match Group, streaming company FuboTV and investment firm Wealthsimple.
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      Alpine chief executive Laurent Rossi said of the investment: “This association is an important step to enhance our performance at all levels.”
      Rossi says that the investment would “boost” Alpine’s media profile as well as support their “performance over the long term”. More

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      Dilano van’t Hoff dead aged 18: Rising star tragically dies after accident on Spa race track as F1 chief leads tributes

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      TEENAGE driver Dilano van’t Hoff has tragically died aged 18.The young Dutchman passed away after being involved in an accident at the Spa racing track in Belgium on Saturday morning.
      Dilano van’t Hoff tragically passed away this morning aged 18Credit: Instagram
      The Spa track is also used for Formula 1Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      The track, which is also used for Formula 1, was hosting a Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA) event in treacherous conditions.
      In a statement, FRECA confirmed: “Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine sadly announces the death of MP Motorsport driver Dilano van’t Hoff.
      “The incident happened during Spa-Francorchamps race 2.
      “We want to express our sincere condolences to the family, team and friends.
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      “Royal Automobile Club of Belgium, the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps and SRO Motorsports Group join Alpine and ACI in expressing their sincerest condolences to the driver’s family, team and friends.”
      In a further statement, 24 Hours of Spa wrote: “Everyone associated with the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa is devastated by the news that Formula Regional EU by Alpine driver Dilano van’t Hoff lost his life in an accident during this morning’s race.
      “We express our deepest condolences to his family, friends and MP Motorsport.”
      They also confirmed that a minute’s silence would be held before the race, and that all start-line entertainment had been cancelled.
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      Van’t Hoff was in his second season in FRECA.
      During his rookie campaign he achieved a podium finish in Barcelona.
      A minute’s silence was held prior to today’s Formula 2 action in Austria in tribute to Van’t Hoff.
      F1 chief Stefano Domenicali also paid his respects, saying: “We are so sad to learn of the passing of Dilano van ‘t Hoff today at Spa-Francorchamps.
      “Dilano died in pursuit of his dream to reach the pinnacle of motorsport.
      “Along with the entire motorsport community, our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
      Van’t Hoff was in his second season in FRECACredit: Instagram
      Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz added on social media: “Terrible news from Spa. We’ve just learned Dilano Van’t Hoff has passed away after a big accident in Formula Regional.
      “It is an extremely sad day for the entire motorsport family and my thoughts and condolences go to his family and friends.
      “RIP Dilano.”
      Mercedes star George Russell wrote: “I am truly saddened to hear of Dilano’s passing today in Spa.
      “My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
      McLaren tweeted: “The McLaren Racing Team are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dilano van ’t Hoff in a Formula Regional race at Spa-Francorchamps today.
      “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire MP Motorsport team at this difficult time.”
      And Mercedes posted: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Dilano van ‘t Hoff following today’s tragic incident at the Formula Regional European Championship event at Spa.
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      An FIA statement read: “The FIA extends its condolences to the family and friends of Dilano van ‘t Hoff and to the MP Motorsport Team following the incident today during the Formula Regional European Championship event at Spa-Francorchamps.” More