More stories

  • in

    Moto GP 2022 calendar: Race schedule, dates, tracks as brand-new season begins THIS WEEKEND at Losail Circuit in Qatar

    BUCKLE up Moto GP fans, as the brand spanking new season is right around the corner ready to keep you entertained.Fabio Quartararo became the first French man to win a Moto GP title in last season’s unforgettable campaign.

    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    The 22-year-old will go all out to defend his crown against all-comers when the new season begins.
    The 2022 race season will also be the first to NOT feature Moto GP legend and six-time champion Valentino Rossi for 23 years.
    When does the Moto GP 2022 season start?
    The brand-new season will get underway on Sunday, March 6, 2022, THIS WEEKEND.
    The first race will take place at the Losail Circuit in Qatar.
    The final race of the season will be held at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit on Sunday November 6, 2022.
    There are 21 races in total, with Fabio Qaurtarao looking to defend his title.
    Moto GP 2022 race calendar:

    Race: Qatar Grand Prix 🇶🇦
    Date: March 6, 2022
    Track: Losail
    Result:

    Race: Indonesia Grand Prix 🇮🇩
    Date: March 20, 2022
    Track: Mandalika
    Result:

    Race: Argentine Grand Prix 🇦🇷
    Date: April 3, 2022
    Track: Termas de Rio Mondo
    Result:

    Race: USA Grand Prix 🇺🇸
    Date: April 10, 2022
    Track: Circuit of the Americas
    Result:

    Race: Portugal Grand Prix 🇵🇹
    Date: April 24, 2022
    Track: Portimao
    Result:

    Race: Spanish Grand Prix 🇪🇸
    Date: May 1, 2022
    Track: Jerez
    Result:

    Race: French Grand Prix 🇫🇷
    Date: May 15, 2022
    Track: Le Mans
    Result:

    Race: Italian Grand Prix 🇮🇹
    Date: May 29, 2022
    Track: Mugello
    Result:

    Race: Catalan Grand Prix 🇪🇸
    Date: June 5, 2022
    Track: Catalunya
    Result:

    Race: German Grand Prix 🇩🇪
    Date: June 19, 2022
    Track: Sachsenring
    Result:

    Race: Dutch Grand Prix 🇳🇱
    Date: June 26, 2022
    Track: Assen
    Result:

    Race: Finnish Grand Prix 🇫🇮
    Date: July 10, 2022
    Track: Kymiring
    Result:

    Race: British Grand Prix 🇬🇧
    Date: August 7, 2022
    Track: Silverstone
    Result:

    Race: Austrian Grand Prix 🇦🇹
    Date: August 21, 2022
    Track: Red Bull Ring
    Result:

    Race: Italian Grand Prix 🇮🇹
    Date: September 4, 2022
    Track: Misano
    Result:

    Race: Spanish Grand Prix 🇪🇸
    Date: September 18, 2022
    Track: Motorland
    Result:

    Race: Japanese Grand Prix 🇯🇵
    Date: September 25, 2022
    Track: Motegi
    Result:

    Race: Thai Grand Prix 🇹🇭
    Date: October 2, 2022
    Track: Chang
    Result:

    Race: Australian Grand Prix 🇦🇺
    Date: October 16, 2022
    Track: Phillip Island
    Result:

    Race: Malaysian Grand Prix 🇲🇾
    Date: October 23, 2022
    Track: Sepang
    Result:

    Race: Spanish Grand Prix 🇪🇸
    Date: November 6, 2022
    Track: Ricardo Tormo
    Result:

    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Motorsport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);} More

  • in

    Valentino Rossi’s half-brother Luca Marini ready to fill the void left by MotoGP legend ahead of new season

    THE MotoGP season kicks off this weekend in Qatar as the sport adjusts to life without Valentino Rossi.But one rider looking to fill the void left by the charismatic seven-times world champion is his half-brother, Luca Marini.
    Valentino Rossi’s VR46 racing team’s Luca Marini hopes to step out of half-brother Rossi’s shadow in his second MotoGP campaignCredit: Getty
    Ducati Lenovo’s Italian ace Francesco Bagnaia is one of the title favouritesCredit: AFP
    Marini, 24, is riding for Rossi’s VR46 racing team, which is making its debut in the championship.
    And Marini, who himself will be in his second season, is now ready to step out of the sizable shadow of his big brother – although warns that he’s not yet ready to fight for the title.
    He said: “I’m really, really excited for the start of this new season because I am feeling great.
    “Last year was tough. It was difficult because at the beginning of the season, we didn’t have many days of testing, so I was always in a rush during the season to be competitive.
    “This year, I have prepared myself much better and the two tests this season went great, so I’m really happy for my personal growth and feel that this year, I can enjoy it a lot more.
    “It is still a little bit too early to say that I can fight for the title but the level of MotoGP now means every rider is so close because we all have a factory bike or similar.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Motorsport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
    “In my opinion, we can be the underdogs.
    “The fight for the championship will be between Francesco Bagnaia, Fabio Quartarar and Marc Marquez but we don’t have anything to lose and maybe we can risk a little bit more, unlike these guys who need to win the world championship.
    “We can balance the fight between these guys but I think that now I’m not ready to fight for the title because also the team is new and we have to grow.”
    The family link means that Marini comes under inevitable pressure to deliver but he says he is now used to coping with that elevated level of expectation.
    And he says that he is not afraid to tap into Rossi’s vast experience, who raced in MotoGP from 2000 to 2021.
    He added: “The pressure is not something that I never suffered too much from. Maybe because of my mentality.
    It is difficult to take something from him because Vale is the best rider in the history of the sport but lived in a different era.Luca MariniMOTOGP CALENDARThe 2022 season will see a record-breaking calendar of 21 races taking place across 17 countries.

    6 March – Qatar, Losail20 March – Indonesia, Mandalika3 April – Argentina, Termas de Rio Hondo10 April – USA, Circuit of the Americas24 April – Portugal – Portimao1 May – Spain, Jerez15 May – France, Le Mans29 May – Italy, Mugello5 June – Catalunya, Barcelona19 June – Germany, Sachsenring26 June – Netherlands, Assen10 July – Finland, KymiRing7 August – Great Britain, Silverstone21 August – Austria, Red Bull Ring4 September – San Marino, Misano18 September – Aragon25 September – Japan, Motegi2 October – Thailand, Buriram16 October – Australia, Phillip Island23 October – Malaysia, Sepang6 November – Valencia, Ricardo Tormo

    “When I was a child, this link between myself and Valentino was a lot less. When I came closer to racing in the world championship, it became bigger and it was not easy at first.
    “But I learnt to deal with that pressure because I have very big goals for myself, so I don’t have any more pressure from outside of my ambition and what I want to achieve.
    “At the beginning of my career I did speak to Vale more because I didn’t have experience and I was asking about tracks and tyres.
    “Now it is a little bit different and difficult to take something from him because Vale is the best rider in the history of the sport but he lived in a different era.
    “But now I think this year he can help me a little bit more. We speak at every GP and he can help me be more consistent.
    “I want to be competitive at all the tracks and in all the conditions. I want to improve my weakness and be the best rider I can from the start of the season.
    “If you do these steps and you show your talent and your speed, then I am confident the results will come.”
    MotoGP 2022 GRID
    Aprilia Racing#12 Maverick Vinales#41 Aleix Espargaro
    Ducati Lenovo Team#43 Jack Miller#63 Francesco Bagnaia
    Gresini Racing MotoGP Ducati#23 Enea Bastianini#49 Fabio Di Giannantonio
    Mooney VR46 Racing Team Ducati#10 Luca Marini#72 Marco Bezzecchi
    Pramac Racing Ducati#5 Johann Zarco#89 Jorge Martin
    LCR Honda#30 Takaaki Nakagami#73 Alex Marquez
    Repsol Honda Team#44 Pol Espargaro#93 Marc Marquez
    Red Bull KTM Factory Racing#33 Brad Binder#88 Miguel Oliveira
    Tech3 KTM Factory Racing#25 Raul Fernandez#87 Remy Gardner
    Team Suzuki Ecstar#36 Joan Mir#42 Alex Rins
    Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP#20 Fabio Quartararo#21 Franco Morbidelli
    WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team#04 Andrea Dovizioso#40 Darryn Binder More

  • in

    Nikita Mazepin ‘SACKED by Haas’ after Russian F1 driver was banned from racing in the British GP

    NIKITA MAZEPIN has reportedly been sacked by his Formula 1 team Haas.It was announced by the FIA earlier this week that Russian driver Mazepin would be able to race under a neutral flag this season following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
    Haas have parted ways with Russian driver MazepinCredit: PA
    Fittipaldi looks set to replace Mazepin in the Haas carCredit: Getty
    But he has been banned from driving the British Grand Prix after Motorsport UK blocked all Russian and Belarussian racers from competing.
    And Sky Deutschland are now reporting that Haas have parted ways with Mazepin.
    Pietro Fittipaldi is expected to partner Mick Schumacher at Haas.
    Nikita Mazepin’s father, billionaire oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, has close ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
    Yesterday at an extraordinary meeting led by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the World Motor Sport Council agreed that competitors holding Russian and Belarussian racing licences could still race under an “FIA flag”.
    But Motorsport UK has gone one step further by stopping them, including Mazepin, from competing.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Motorsport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    A Motorsport UK statement read: “No Russian/Belarusian licenced teams are approved to enter motorsport competitions in the UK.
    “No Russian/Belarusian licenced competitors and officials are approved to participate in UK motorsport events.
    “No Russian/Belarusian national symbols, colours, flags (on uniform, equipment and car) to be displayed at Motorsport UK permitted events.
    “The Motorsport UK decision was made in full consultation with the UK Government and national sports governing bodies to ensure that there is a unilateral response to the crisis.”
    The 2022 F1 season is due to get underway with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 20. More

  • in

    Lewis Hamilton got ex-F1 race director Michael Masi the sack by staying SILENT, claims Red Bull chief Marko

    LEWIS HAMILTON is responsible for the sacking of F1 race director Michael Masi, claims Red Bull chief Helmut Marko.It was Masi who made the race-changing decision at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to steal the world championship away from Hamilton.
    Lewis Hamilton remained silent for months after his painful defeat in Abu DhabiCredit: Splash
    Michael Masi was sacked after breaking safety rules in Abu DhabiCredit: Getty
    Helmut Marko believes Masi did not deserve to be sackedCredit: PA
    Masi came under pressure for defying his own safety rules and last month was dismissed from his role as race director.
    And Marko feels Hamilton is to blame after failing to speak out in Masi’s defence.
    The Red Bull advisor told RT: “By his silence, he only wanted to show his dissatisfaction with the situation and the decisions.
    “Part of that behaviour subsequently also led to Masi being removed from his role.
    “I don’t think it’s right. You have to look at his performances over the years.
    “If Masi had everything they are going to enter now at his disposal, it would have been easier for him to decide, a video referee and an advisor by his side.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Sport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    “Michael is now being sacrificed for that.”
    After losing out to Max Verstappen Hamilton remained silent for several weeks.
    His lack of public presence fuelled speculation the Brit could quit F1 altogether before it was finally revealed last month that he would be taking part in the 2022 season.
    Hamilton also broke his silence by wishing his social media followers a Happy Chinese New Year.
    And he later admitted that he did consider retirement after being robbed of a record eighth world title.
    ⚽ Read our Football News Live blog for breaking news, transfer gossip and must-read stories More

  • in

    Formula One RIP UP £37m-a-year agreement with Russian GP promoters and ban ALL future races after invasion of Ukraine

    FORMULA ONE have ripped up their agreement with the Russian Grand Prix promoters and say the country will NOT have a race in the future.It is another crushing blow for despot President Vladimir Putin, who was one of the key figures behind the race.
    F1 have ripped up their agreement with the Russian Grand Prix promotersCredit: Getty
    Russian troops pictured in the Donetsk regionCredit: Reuters
    Putin struck a deal with former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone to host the Russian GP in Sochi – the venue for the country’s Winter Olympics – from 2014.
    It was worth around $50million a year to F1 – who have acted swiftly following Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
    The sport was quick to cancel this year’s GP, which was due to be held in September, but they have now gone a step further to cancel their agreement in its entirety.
    It means Putin will not see F1 race in his hometown of St Petersburg at the £200million purpose-built track, which was due to host the GP in 2023.
    It comes after Motorsport UK chief, David Richards, prevented Russian and Belarusian drivers from racing in the UK, including at the British GP.
    Meanwhile, Haas are still weighing up what to do with their Russian driver Nikita Mazepin, whose father is a close friend with Putin.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Motorsport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    But it has been confirmed that Mazepin will NOT be able to take part in this year’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone after Motorsport UK.
    David Richards, Chairman of Motorsport UK said: “The entire Motorsport UK community condemns the acts of war by Russia and Belarus in Ukraine and expresses its solidarity and support towards all those affected by the ongoing conflict.
    “We stand united with the people of Ukraine and the motorsport community following the invasion and the unacceptable actions that have unfolded.
    “This is a time for the international motorsport community to act and show support for the people of Ukraine and our colleagues at the Federation Automobile d’Ukraine.”
    Vladimir Puting pictured with former F1 supremo Bernie EcclestoneCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

  • in

    Red Bull confirm Max Verstappen’s mind-boggling £221MILLION deal with F1 champ tied down until 2028

    RED BULL have confirmed that Max Verstappen has signed a contract extension and revealed he will stay with the team until 2028.The Dutchman already has a contract with Red Bull in place until 2023 which is worth £18million-a-year.
    Max Verstappen has penned a lucrative new dealCredit: Reuters
    However, his extension, which runs until 2028 is valued at a staggering £37million-a-year.
    That takes his total contract up to a mind boggling £221million over seven years – the biggest driver contract in F1 history.
    Verstappen, 24, who won the F1 title last season albeit in controversial circumstances in Abu Dhabi, said: “I really enjoy being part of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Team, so choosing to stay to the 2028 season was an easy decision.
    “I love this team and last year was simply incredible, our goal since we came together in 2016 was to win the championship and we have done that, so now it’s about keeping the number one on the car long-term.”
    Red Bull boss Christian Horner said the new long-term deal shows the team’s commitment to Verstappen.
    Verstappen will kick off his title defence later this month in Bahrain with the first race of the season on March 20th.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Motorsport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

    It marks a new era for F1 with dramatic new regulations relating to the car designs while Red Bull are also developing their own engine department.
    Horner added: “To have Max signed with Oracle Red Bull Racing through to the end of 2028 is a real statement of intent.
    “Our immediate focus is on retaining Max’s World Championship title, but this deal also shows he is a part of the team’s long-term planning.
    “With the Red Bull Powertrains division working towards the new engine regulations for 2026 we wanted to make sure we had the best driver on the grid secured for that car.”
    Following the announcement, Verstappen tweeted: “Really proud to announce that @redbullracing will be my home until at least 2028.
    “I love this team and I am very happy to continue this amazing journey we are on for a long time.
    “We have accomplished so much together already but we are definitely not done.💪✍️”
    Verstappen, 24, has committed his future to Red BullCredit: PA More

  • in

    Ex-F1 chief Ecclestone shockingly DEFENDS Putin amid Ukraine invasion calling Russia president ‘honourable person’

    EX-FORMULA One chief Bernie Ecclestone has shockingly defended ‘honourable’ Vladimir Putin amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.Ecclestone, 91, made his comments in an interview with Times Radio – after Putin ordered a military advance into Ukraine.
    Bernie Ecclestone has defended ‘honourable’ Vladimir PutinCredit: Reuters
    The conflict has seen Russia become a pariah on the world stage, with countries around the globe imposing various financial, business and travel sanctions.
    Russian sports stars and teams have also been affected by bans in their respective fields.
    However, Formula One’s governing body, the FIA, have failed to take decisive action against athletes despite cancelling the Russian GP.
    And it has now emerged that former F1 supremo Ecclestone, who brought a Grand Prix to Russia in 2014, hailed Putin as ‘honourable’ just one day after he attacked Ukraine.
    Speaking to Times Radio on February 25, Ecclestone said: “As a person I found him very straightforward and honourable.
    “He did exactly what he said he was going to do without any arguments.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Motorsport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    “[The Russian Grand Prix] depends very much on what the exact situation is between Ukraine and Russia.
    “It’s not going to make any difference if there is a race in Russia to anything else that has happened in the world.
    “I suppose it is the people who are engaged in the event who would decide on it, because maybe other people think it was the right thing for Russia to do.
    “So how can anyone else judge exactly what is happening today?”
    Ecclestone has previously expressed his admiration for Putin, saying in 2019: “If someone had a machine gun and was prepared to shoot Putin, I would stand in front of him because he’s a good guy.
    “He’s never done anything that isn’t doing good things for people.”
    And in 2017, Ecclestone said: “Honestly, I think the guy should rule Europe. Mr Putin has impressed me more than anyone because he’s a guy who says he’s going to do something and does it.
    “He’s a first class person.” More

  • in

    F1’s highest-paid drivers revealed ahead of 2022 season after Max Verstappen’s new deal and Lewis Hamilton’s return

    THE 2022 F1 season is nearly upon us with the focus now finally on the new campaign.Max Verstappen edged Lewis Hamilton to last year’s crown with a thrilling final-lap overtake in December.

    Lewis Hamilton and F1 title rival Max Verstappen are in a different league for wages in 2022Credit: Getty
    After the controversy surrounding race director Michael Masi and the new changes brought in as a result, attention has now turned to pre-season testing and Bahrain.
    The drivers had their first round of trying their new cars out in Barcelona at the end of February.
    And Verstappen, 24, begins the defence of his maiden world title on March 20.
    That will be his first race since signing a mega £37million-per-year new contract with Red Bull.
    The new pay packet means he is just £3m behind his F1 rival Hamilton.
    The seven-time world champ, 37, went silent after the Abu Dhabi drama which led to speculation he may quit the sport.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Motorsport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    But he reported back for duty at Mercedes HQ last month to begin his preparations and is now raring to go.
    And just like so often on the track, Hamilton and Verstappen are miles clear of the rest of the field when it comes to salaries too.
    McLaren star Lando Norris comes in third after signing a new bumper four-year contract.
    Norris, 22, will take home £10.5m per year – more than Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and McLaren veteran Daniel Ricciardo (both £10.19m).

    Ferrari ace Carlos Sainz and Aston Martin star Sebastian Vettel both earn £7.28m per year on their current deals.
    Alpine’s legendary racer Fernando Alonso sits eighth with an annual salary of £6.55m.
    Red Bull whiz Sergio Perez (£4.5m) and Alpine’s Esteban Ocon (£4m) complete the top ten.
    Lando Norris has risen to third in the list of top-paid F1 stars after signing a new McLaren dealCredit: AFP More