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      UFC 259 scorecards show how brutally Jan Blachowicz smashed Israel Adesanya with two judges putting last as 10-8 round

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      UFC light-heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz’s dominance over Israel Adesanya was highlighted in the judges’ scorecards.
      The Polish star, 38, inflicted a first defeat inside the octagon for Adesanya who failed in his attempt after moving up from middleweight.

      Jan Blachowicz dominated Israel Adesanya at UFC 259 in Las VegasCredit: USA TODAY Sports

      Judges were unanimous in awarding Blachowicz the victory against AdesanyaCredit: Twitter @btsportufc

      Blachowicz earned a wide points decision over the 31-year-old, with judges scoring the bout 49-45, 49-46 and 49-45 in favour of the defending champion.
      Two of the judges even awarded Blachowicz a 10-8 in the final round, with Adesanya winning just one round on each of the scorecards.
      There was a mixed response on social media as to whether The Last Stylebender should have lost on such a wide decison.
      One user tweeted: “I think the fight was much closer than the scorecards, the commentary was so biased towards Adesanya though.”

      Another commented: “An absolute disgrace. Issy won that first round clearly, and a 10-8 in the 5th?! Seriously?! Round 4 is the only one you could see as a 10-8.
      “In Round 5 Issy won the first half of it comfortably, and because Jan got the takedown and did barely anything with it makes it a 10-8?”
      A third added: “It was correct Jan was up 2-0 going into the 3rd Izzy only won the third round and Jan then took rounds 4 and 5 with the takedowns.”
      Meanwhile one stated: “The right call – Jan won rounds 1, 2, 4, & 5. Round 4 was a 10-8. Izzy won round 3. You can make a case for Izzy winning round 1 as well, I won’t argue that but yeah IMO Jan – 1 2 4 & 5.”

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      Blachowicz inflicted a first professional defeat for Adesanya inside the octagonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Adesanya – who has been mocked by Jon Jones following the fight – was gracious in defeat after losing his perfect record.
      He said: “It didn’t exactly go the way I wanted it to go but dare to be great.
      “The critics are the ones on the sidelines, but I’m the one putting it on the line.”
      Commenting on Adesanya, Blachowicz remarked: “I thought that he would be a little bit faster, but he don’t hit so hard.
      “He was slower, but he hit harder, this was something I didn’t expect.”

      Israel Adesanya reacts to his first ever MMA loss to Jan Blachowicz at UFC 259 More

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      Portuguese GP CONFIRMED for 2021 Formula One season with Portimao hosting third race and could welcome fans

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      FORMULA ONE has confirmed a return to Portugal for the third race of the 2021 season.
      The slot had been left open amid Vietnam’s failure to pull off a much-anticipated race through the streets of Hanoi.

      Lewis Hamilton will return to the scene of his record-breaking win in MayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Drivers voiced their pleasure at racing around the Algarve last yearCredit: Splash News

      And F1 bosses have now confirmed the race at Portimao’s Algarve International Circuit on May 2.
      Last season saw Lewis Hamilton romp to victory at the track, which was drafted in during the pandemic shake-up of the calendar.
      Some 27,000 fans watched the Mercedes star top Michael Schumacher’s race wins record and attendees are hoped for once again in May.
      F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “We hope to welcome fans to Portimao again this season in a safe way and are working with the promoter on the details of that plan.”

      The 23-race season begins with testing on March 12 in Bahrain before the first race at the same circuit a fortnight later.
      Portugal is currently on the UK’s ‘red list’ of travel nations, meaning anyone returning from the country must remain in a ten-day hotel quarantine.

      However, team staff and drivers will travel straight to the following weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, a country not red-listed.
      Last season’s trip to the Algarve saw drivers tested on a notoriously undulating track, with many explaining their thrill at racing around Portimao.

      But the GP itself produced little in the way of action, with world champ Hamilton cruising to victory over Valtteri Bottas by a huge 25 seconds.
      After Friday practice in October, Hamilton stated: “The undulations are incredible.
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      “There’s a lot of places where you can’t see where you’re going. The exit of Turn 8, you’re looking at the sky for a period of time and you have no idea what’s beyond the hill.
      “Also into [Turn] 11, you don’t know where you are and all of a sudden it arrives at you out of nowhere.”
      Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc agreed, adding: “The track itself is amazing.
      “It took quite a few laps to get into the rhythm because we don’t see any apexes but once you get into the rhythm then it feels very good.”

      Mercedes release video of Lewis Hamilton’s new F1 2021 car which Brit helped engineers build to go for another title More

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      Williams forced to abandon virtual launch of new F1 car after app is targeted by hackers

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      WILLIAMS were forced to scrap their augmented reality car launch because their app was hacked.
      The F1 team planned an innovative unveiling that would’ve brought the car into people’s homes.

      Williams unveiled their 2021 car on Friday – but their augmented reality plans were scrappedCredit: AFP

      Williams revealed their app was hacked before their planned car launch

      But their plans were sent crashing when hackers targeted their app.
      The team were forced to delete the app from the App Store and Play Store before unveiling their 2021 car on Twitter instead.
      Augmented reality combines the real world and virtual reality – so the car would’ve appeared on phones in the spaces around users.
      The team said in a statement: “Williams Racing planned to reveal its 2021 challenger, the FW43B, via an augmented reality app later today (5th March).

      “However, sadly, because the app was hacked prior to launch, this will no longer be possible.
      “We have subsequently removed the app from both the Apple App Store and Android Google Play store.
      “We were very much looking forward to sharing this experience with our fans, particularly during this difficult time when being able to bring in-person experiences directly to our fans is sadly not possible.
      “We can only apologise that this has not been possible.”

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      Williams driver George Russell gave fans a demonstration, which showed the car being built on his phone.
      He said: “It’s a shame the augmented reality app got hacked and we couldn’t use it.”
      The team showed off their new 2021 car in famous white and blue colours.
      Williams have finished 10th in the constructors’ standings the last three seasons.
      The once great outfit – which last won the F1 title in 1997 – are under new ownership after being brought out last year.
      Frank Williams and daughter Claire stepped down from management roles and gave the side a fresh start.
      Russell added: “I like the new look. It’s got a hint of heritage in there with a dash of yellow which is cool.
      “It’s exciting and I think that’s the team at the moment. New ownership, new look, new brand and it’s the start of a new beginning.”

      Chief executive Jost Capito said: “We wanted the car to remember the good old times and the heritage of the team.
      “But we also wanted to show that we’re doing a forward step.
      “It’s a very fresh and unique design. We don’t forget our history, our heritage, but we are moving on to a bright future.”

      Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel looks forward to Formula 1 return More

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      Lewis Hamilton splits with right-hand man and pal Marc Hynes just weeks ahead of new F1 season opener in Bahrain

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has split with his friend and right-hand man Marc Hynes.
      The 43-year-old trusted adviser has left Hamilton’s inner circle on the eve of the new F1 season.

      Lewis Hamilton’s right-hand man Marc Hynes has left his teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hynes ran the ‘Project 44’ management company to look after Hamilton’s business interests.
      Daily Mail report that the split was ‘amicable’.
      They quote a source close to Hamilton as saying: “Lewis is very grateful for all his support over the last five years, both personally and in helping him build his company.
      “Marc and Lewis have known each other since they were young, as friends first and business partners second, so, while they are parting ways in a business sense, they remain close friends.”

      Hynes a former racing driver and won the Formula 3 Championship in 1999.
      The timing of the split was far from ideal with just three weeks until the seven-time world champion kicks off his title defence.
      Hamilton had just signed a one-year contract extension to stay at Mercedes for the 2021 campaign.
      The deal has raised serious questions over whether he will retire at the end of the current season.

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      Lewis Hamilton, team boss Toto Wolff and Valtteri Bottas unveil this year’s MercedesCredit: Daimler AG Mercedes

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      The 36-year-old is going in search of an eighth world title that would move him clear of the joint record he currently shares with Michael Schumacher.
      But he says that whether he wins the title this year – or not – it will not be his sole motivation for staying in the sport for a 16th season.
      When quizzed about 2022, Hamilton said: “I have decided. I don’t want that [championships] to be the deciding factor.
      “I got into racing because I loved it and that’s got to always be at the core of what you do.
      “If all you’re going for is accolades, I feel I could potentially lose my way. Of course it is the ultimate dream but I don’t think it is not going to be the deciding factor whether I stay or keep going; it is more whether then I still have the smile when I leave the garage.
      “It is going back to: ‘Do you enjoy it?’ Last year was a really tough year for everyone, including me, but there were some really impactful moments.
      “Will that be the case this year? We’ll see. Will I enjoy it as much, we’ll see. I am excited now, so I am sure I will.

      “I’m fully invested in this season and delivering. I still love what I do.
      “I’m in the fortunate position that I don’t have to commit to multiple years so I chose to have a one-year deal then I could see how the year goes, where we’re at mid-year or towards the end of the year. Who knows whether we’ll still be in a pandemic.
      “But it doesn’t mean that I’m not still committed very much to the sport.”

      Mercedes release video of Lewis Hamilton’s new F1 2021 car which Brit helped engineers build to go for another title More

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      Formula One allow fans to attend Bahrain GP if they have had coronavirus vaccine or have recovered from virus

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      FORMULA ONE will allow fans to attend the Bahrain Grand Prix if they have had their coronavirus vaccine or have recovered from the virus.
      Sakhir will host the first race of the 2021 calendar later this month, on March 28.

      Bahrain will allow fans in the stands at the March 28 GP if fans have been vaccinated or have recovered from the virus

      And it’s been confirmed race organisers WILL allow supporters in the stands under two conditions.
      Fans can enter the grounds if they have had BOTH Covid jabs more than two weeks prior to the race.
      But supporters can also be in attendance if they can prove they have successfully recovered from the virus.
      Fans hoping to attend will be tracked through Bahrain’s BeAware app.

      Even then, fans will be screened on upon entry to the grounds.
      Face masks will also be compulsory and social distancing will also be in place.
      However, there will be no ‘Paddock Club’ hospitality or corporate lounges, with all fans remaining outdoors at Sakhir.
      Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) CEO Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa revealed the news.

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      He said: “We are delighted to be able to launch our ticket sales today, once again giving fans the opportunity to witness the spectacle of F1.
      “In November and December last year, we had the honour to host our healthcare heroes as spectators, and we are pleased this time be open for a broader group of fans, with tickets available to buy for this prestigious first race of the season.
      “I am thankful for all the support we receive from across Government in Bahrain and the coordination that makes Bahrain a successful F1 every year.
      “I especially thank The National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus and Ministry of Health in Bahrain for their planning and guidance, which will allow us to offer a safe experience for fans.
      “We would urge eligible fans to reserve their tickets now for the best possible seats to witness the first edition of F1 2021.”

      Lewis Hamilton is F1’s biggest earner
      The Bahrain International Circuit had previously offered vaccinations to teams.
      However, it’s unlikely the offer will be accepted – with a Formula One statement stating they won’t be vaccinated as a ‘travelling group’.
      An F1 spokesperson said: “Formula One, as a UK-based organisation, has no plans to be vaccinated as a travelling group ahead of the already established rollout of vaccines through the health system in the UK.”
      Bahrain held TWO races last season – in November and December.
      On those occasions, only health workers were allowed in the stands, with no fans in attendance.
      Meanwhile, teams have been unveiling their cars for the 2021 season.
      Aston Martin celebrated their return to F1 with some help from Daniel Craig and Gemma Arterton.
      Mercedes showed off Lewis Hamilton’s new ride as he goes for an incredible eight title, while Haas showed off a ‘Russian-inspired’ livery.

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      Nikita Mazepin admits he made ‘huge mistake’ filming himself groping woman’s breast in car ahead of debut F1 season

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      NIKITA MAZEPIN says he made a “huge mistake” after filming himself groping a woman’s breast in the back of a car and it appearing online.
      The controversial Russia driver has been disciplined by his new Haas team about the incident that happened in December.

      Nikita Mazepin has opened up on the car groping controversy he engulfed himself in last yearCredit: PA:Press Association

      Mazepin, 22, subsequently deleted the post and posted an apology – which he also deleted nine days later.
      Understandably, there has been a huge backlash across social media with the hashtag #WeSayNoToMazepin frequently trending.
      As he faced the press for the first time, he said on Thursday how he was “not proud of it”.
      In somewhat of an understatement, he said: “How I reflect on my actions is pretty clear. I’m not happy that it happened.

      “I’m not proud of it, I didn’t behave as I meant to behave in Formula One, and the transition phase of realising what I achieved has been very short and I didn’t adapt as quickly as I should have.
      “But I have taken responsibility for it and I am ready to keep doing it because I’d like to be very strong in my position and certain.
      “The learning curve is very steep when you have to get to your first race, so that process is a very big part of your thing, it has to be.
      “In regards to the image it has created, I am not going to be able to put words in people’s mouths, but I am pretty sure that I will be delivering on track and I am confident that with the direction I am taking the results will be there.

      Haas revealed their contender to the Formula One 2021 Championship on ThursdayCredit: Haas F1

      Mazepin is preparing for his debut in the seriesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “I am going to try to have the racing do the talking. I have made a huge mistake and taken responsibility for it and I have learned from it. I am looking forward to a clean year ahead.”
      He also refused to say whether he had apologised to the girl involved, who had claimed responsibility for uploading the video.
      He added: “I think a privacy matter is very important in this case. I don’t think it would be correct for me to bring other people into this very wide media discussion, and therefore I’m not going to do that.”
      Mazepin has a history of bad behaviour at the track too.
      In 2016, he punched British racing driver Callum Ilott after he blocked the Russian during a practice session.
      Mazepin was slapped with a pathetic one-race ban while last season he notched up 11 penalty points on his racing licence – just one shy of receiving a suspension.

      Graduating to Formula One means that all of a sudden you become an example to a lot of young kids.
      Nikita Mazepin

      But he says he is confident he can shed his bad-boy reputation and stay out of trouble now he has reached F1.
      He added: “Graduating to Formula One means that all of a sudden you become an example to a lot of young kids who are aiming to get to the same championship.
      “With that, you have to bring a certain way of behaviour towards yourself. I haven’t done it instantly because I was too late to realise that unfortunately.
      “In regards to what I’ve learned, it’s quite clear that first of all the behavior you’re meant to bring to yourself, and secondly how you’re meant to act on social media and off social media.”

      After Haas stopped the questioning about his controversial behaviour, he was asked whether his card was now marked by the race stewards too.
      He said: “It’s not something that I fear because I am confident it’s not going to happen.
      “I take a lot of time to go through the regulations, study them hard, understand them, understand where that fine line is.
      “Sometimes you overstep that line and it’s not for me to decide, it’s the stewards’ decision. I respect their decisions but I am confident to say you won’t be seeing that in F1.”

      Nikita Mazepin thanks Haas F1 Team for signing him for the 2021 season More

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      Controversial Nikita Mazepin’s Haas F1 team embroiled in bizarre row over livery – which looks exactly like Russian flag

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      HAAS F1 team has been caught up in a bizarre row over their new livery – which looks exactly like the Russian flag.
      The American-owned team have signed up controversial Russian driver Nikita Mazepin, who has attracted plenty of criticism for posting a video on social media of him groping a woman’s breast in the back of a taxi.

      Haas unveiled their new car on Thursday – with a distinct Russian feel to its liveryCredit: Haas F1

      Moscow-born racer Nikita Mazepin joins the team in 2021 but has been sharply criticised over a social media groping incidentCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Haas have also agreed a title sponsorship with Uralkali – a Russian firm owned by Mazepin’s billionaire father.
      The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced in December that it had upheld a ban on Russia from competing at world championship sporting events.
      It relates to state-sponsored doping and cover-ups at the 2014 Winter Olympics held in Sochi, Russia.
      As a result there will be no dedicated Russian team at the upcoming Olympic Games or the next Fifa World Cup.

      On top of this, Mazepin will not be allowed to race under the Russian flag for the next two years.
      However, it appears that Haas have flagrantly responded by using the flag in their livery – much to the frustration of their American fans.
      But Haas boss Guenther Steiner says the team have done nothing wrong and said they came up with the livery before the flag was banned.
      He said: “We did not circumvent anything.

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      We are always in contact with the FIA because you cannot just come out with it, so we worked with them.
      Guenther SteinerHaas team boss

      The new Haas is also sponsored by the company owned by Mazepin’s dadCredit: Haas F1

      “We came up with this livery before this came out from WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency).
      “You can use the colours on the car, the athlete cannot carry the flag, but the team is an American team.
      “The colours of the American flag are very similar to the Russian one.
      “We are always in contact with the FIA because you cannot just come out with it, so we worked with them. Is is WADA, not an FIA rule.”

      WADA president, Craig Reedie, confirms Russia banned for four years from world’s top sporting events More

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      Mick Schumacher ‘proud’ to carry dad Michael’s legacy in F1 and says iconic name motivates him ahead of debut season

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      MICK SCHUMACHER says he is ready to carry on his father’s legacy in Formula One as he nears his debut season.
      The son of seven-time world champion Michael, has joined the Haas team for 2021 as part of his affiliation with the Ferrari young driver programme.

      Mick Schumacher is preparing to follow in his dad’s footsteps and race in Formula OneCredit: Splash News

      Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher won seven world titles during his careerCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Mick, 21, won the Formula 2 title last year and is carving out his own racing career.
      And he says he can cope with the pressure of having a famous father.
      He said: “The name? I have never said that it is pressure, and I am pretty sure I will never say that because I am very happy to carry that name back into Formula One.
      “I am very proud of it. It is a boost for me and it gives me motivation every single day to work as much as I can and work as hard as I can.”

      Mick was skiing with his dad when he suffered his accident on December 29, 2013.
      He is guarded about his dad’s current health and the family remain highly secretive about the former racer’s condition as he resides at their family home in Switzerland.
      Mick has previously stated that his father is his idol and, as he closes in on his F1 debut at the first race of the season in Bahrain on March 28, he is showing a similar determination.
      He added: “The first Bahrain race took place in 2004 and my father won there, so I definitely have good memories of that.

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      Mick’s Haas car was unveiled to fans on ThursdayCredit: Haas F1

      Schumacher will hope to secure a number of points finishes in his debut yearCredit: Haas F1

      “There is a corridor which runs to the track that is filled with memories. My dad is on there which is nice to see and very special.
      “I am looking forward to getting underway now and getting out on track and eventually getting to do my first race in F1 which sounds great and feels great so I am really looking forward to my first season.
      “I will try to improve in every aspect – that is what I want to do – and I will work my arse off for that and give everything I have.
      “I want to start the season on a high and carry on everything I have learned over my past years and use it on a higher level.”

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