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      Watch heart-stopping moment low-flying helicopter tears roof off Dakar Rally race truck in botched filming scene

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      THIS is the shocking moment a HELICOPTER crashed into a truck during the 2021 Dakar Rally.
      Known as one of the world’s most dangerous races, this year’s event was staged on the sandy plains of Saudi Arabia.

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      The pilot decided to get a little too close to the action

      The chopper collided with the truck and ripped off part of the roof
      There are eight different categories of machine that compete against each other – but helicopter isn’t one.
      However one chopper hovering above the truck race wanted to get some footage from closer to the action.
      But as it lowered agonisingly close, the vehicle then bounced up from a bump on the track.

      Thw two made contact with the helicopter ripping off part of the truck’s roof and thankfully managing to fly off.
      The driver was Anton Shibalov, who even managed to finish the race despite the hair-raising experience.
      As reported by The Drive, Eric Khairullin of Shibalov’s Kamaz team said: “Anton Shibalov’s car arrived at the finish line with a torn-open air intake on the roof of the body.
      “It turned out that the organizers’ helicopter hovered too low over the track and at some point, when the truck rushing at speed, threw it up, apparently, [hitting] a helicopter.”

      Shibalov’s Kamaz team-mate Dmitry Sotnikov enjoyed much better luck however, as he went on to win the truck competition.

      The helicopter thankfully managed to fly off safely

      The worrying incident came after three competitors lost their lives in the 2020 event
      Portuguese motorcyclist Paulo Goncalves, Dutch rider Edwin Straver. and French rally driver Pierre Cherpin were all killed at the event.
      The famous endurance event takes place over 14 days with 322 entrants taking part in a range of vehicles including bikes, trucks, cars and quad bikes.

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      Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton should be afraid with Sergio Perez set to give Red Bull Racing wings in new F1 season

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      MERCEDES should be afraid.
      No, not only because Lewis Hamilton has not yet signed a new contract, but because of what is going on down the road in Milton Keynes.

      Sergio Perez paid a visit to Red Bull HQ this week for his seat fittingCredit: Getty Images

      Sergio Perez paid his first visit to Red Bull Racing’s HQ on Tuesday where he did his seat fitting for this year’s F1 car.
      The Mexican has joined from Racing Point after an excellent season where he finished in fourth place in the driver’s championship.
      So why should Merc be worried?
      Well, the simple answer is that the fresh line-up at Red Bull could reinvigorate the team’s fortunes.

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      Red Bull finished last season strongly as they continued to make improvements, as they so often do.
      In recent years, their Achilles’ heel has been their slow start to the campaign, as Mercedes rack up the early victories forcing Red Bull to play catch up.
      Only I feel that with Perez on board, things will be different this year.

      You see, Perez has always had the amazing ability to drag the most performance out of his car.

      Lewis Hamilton won his seventh world title last season, but could face a stiffer task in 2021Credit: PA:Press Association

      Sergio Perez showed his prowess at Racing Point to earn the Red Bull seatCredit: AFP
      You saw it at Sauber, Force India, McLaren and Racing Point.
      He now has the benefit of joining a team capable of providing him with a car that is capable of fighting for victories.
      At 30-years-old, Perez is now in his prime and has vast experience – the kind that could be missing from Max Verstappen’s feedback when it comes to car development.
      He’s also had previous experience of being with a top team.

      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
      He joined McLaren in 2013 on an £8million a year deal, and while things didn’t work out with the Woking-based team, he has had experience of dealing with the pressure and commitments that come with driving for a big operation.
      And then there is the big one. Perez has the potential to get the best out of Verstappen.
      The Dutchman has become something of a team-mate killer at Red Bull since he was promoted from Toro Rosso.

      He’s crushed Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon – but I don’t expect him to do that to Perez.
      If anything, he will be forced to up his game to contend with Perez in what could spark some healthy rivalry.
      And for those reasons, plus the fact we have no big regulation changes this season, I believe it will be Red Bull, not Ferrari or McLaren, who offer the greatest threat to Mercedes’ dominance.

      F1 champ Lewis Hamilton hikes up mountain in the snow in intensive altitude training More

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      F1 legend Jenson Button’s model fiancee Brittny Ward shows off stunning bikini body after giving birth just month ago

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      JENSON BUTTON’S fiancee shared an incredible throwback snap as she wished him a happy 41st birthday.
      Brittny Ward, who gave birth to their daughter last month, showed off her bikini body as she gave him a cheeky kiss.

      Brittny Ward shared a throwback snap of the pair together on a boatCredit: brittny/Instagram

      Ward, 30, looked stunning as she soaked up the sunshine in a skimpy black swimsuit.
      The former Playboy model shared the image with her 302,000 Instagram followers.
      Alongside the snap, she wrote: “Birthday smooch.”
      In response, Formula 1 legend Button said: “Thanks my love.”

      Ward also treated the 2009 Formula One World Champion to a tattoo for his birthday.
      The 41-year-old now has both of his kids’ names inked down in his arm in italic writing.
      He shared an image of the tattoo and added the caption: “Thanks @brittnyward for my lovely birthday gift.”
      She replied: “You mean the tattoo or giving birth to our two children?! Love you.”

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      Jenson Button is engaged to former Playboy model Brittny Ward Credit: Social Media – Refer to Source

      The couple – who started dating in 2016 – became parents to son, Hendrix, in 2019.
      And they welcomed their baby girl to the world on December 27, 2020.
      Ward bravely showed off her body on social media just five days after her caesarean.

      Jenson Button and Brittny Ward welcomed their daughter to the world in DecemberCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Brittny Ward shared the throwback snap to her Instagram page Credit: brittny/Instagram

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      Unemployed Lewis Hamilton reveals ‘lots going on’ as £40m Mercedes contract talks rumble on and F1 season gets nearer

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has delivered an update on his health since recovering from Covid-19 – but is saying nothing about his Mercedes contract.
      The unemployed star is out of contract and has yet to sign new terms with the Silver Arrows.

      Lewis Hamilton has provided an update after his Covid-19 battleCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton

      The star is still not providing any updates on his F1 futureCredit: Getty

      He’s currently away – presumably at his home in Colorado – where he gave an update on his winter training ahead of the new F1 season.
      The 36 year-old was and was forced to miss the Sakhir GP, while his weight dropped four kilos.
      However, he is now upping his training regime in the mountains after revealing the details on his Instagram.
      Hamilton said: “Hey World, I haven’t been on here for a while. I’m in the mountains training every day, getting my mind and body right.

      “I’m hiking to the top of the mountain every morning. 3 of those hikes I cross country ski once I get to the top which is at 3400m – killer!
      “I love altitude training, there is less oxygen high up so working out is much harder than at sea level, just walking up the stairs you feel it at 2000m.
      “Normally when I finish training here and return to sea level running is such a breeze.
      “I’m trying to find the right balance in cardio and strength building. On top of that, lots of work is ongoing in the background.

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      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt

      “Many moving parts but just checking in to let you know I’m doing good, I’m healthy and mentally strong right now in my bubble.
      “I hope you are staying as positive as you can with all that is still going on. Keep your head up. I can’t wait to see you all again at some stage soon. Sending you love and light.”
      Mercedes say they have no concerns that the seven-time world champion will not commit to the team.
      But this is an unusual position to be in given contracts are normally resolved around August.

      Lewis Hamilton is by far F1’s top earner on a staggering £40m a year More

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      F1 season boost as Monaco Grand Prix organisers confirm race WILL go ahead despite coronavirus pandemic after axe

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      F1 chiefs have received a boost from the organisers of the Monaco Grand Prix – who say this year’s race WILL go ahead as planned.
      There was growing speculation street races would be forced to be scrapped for the 2021 season due to the ongoing pandemic.

      The Monaco GP WILL go ahead despite the coronavirus pandemicCredit: AFP – Getty

      That would rule out races in Melbourne, Baku, Singapore and Sochi as well as the principality.
      However, the Automobile Club de Monaco have rubbished suggestions their race on May 23 will be canned.
      A statement said: “Despite the latest rumors circulating on certain websites and social media, the Automobile Club de Monaco can confirm that the 78th Formula One Monaco Grand Prix will take place from May 20-23, 2021.
      “The ACM also confirms the 12th Grand Prix de Monaco Historique and the 4th Monaco E-Prix.”

      The season opener in Melbourne plus the Chinese GP have been bumped from their original date as F1 plan to host the races later in the year.
      An F1 spokesman said: “We have set out the details of the revised 2021 calendar and there are no other changes.
      “The suggestion street races will not take place is completely wrong.”
      On Thursday, Charles LeClerc became the fifth F1 driver to test positive for Covid-19.

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      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt

      The Ferrari ace had been on holiday in Dubai and upon his return to his Monaco home discovered that he had come into contact with a positive case.
      A subsequent test returned a positive result and the 23-year-old confirmed he was suffering with ‘mild symptoms’.
      He said on his Instagram: “I want to let you know that I have tested positive for Covid-19.
      “I am regularly checked according to my team’s protocols.
      “Unfortunately, I learned that I have been in contact with a positive case and immediately went into self-isolation, notifying anyone I had contact with.
      “A subsequent test I took has come back positive. I am feeling ok and have mild symptoms.
      “I will remain in isolation in my home in Monaco in compliance with the regulations set by the local health authorities. Stay safe and take care.”
      Lando Norris and F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton both also picked up the disease when in Covid-ravaged Dubai.

      Lewis Hamilton is by far F1’s top earner on a staggering £40m a year More

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      Eddie Jordan would ‘show Sir Lewis Hamilton the door’ if legend is driving too hard a bargain and says he is replaceable

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      EDDIE JORDAN claimed he would ‘show Sir Lewis Hamilton the door’ if the Formula One legend is driving too hard a bargain over a new contract.
      And the Irishman insisted the seven-time world champion is replaceable.

      Lewis Hamilton turned 36 earlier in January and is yet to sign a new Mercedes contractCredit: Twitter @LewisHamilton

      The Brit won Mercedes the world title last seasonCredit: PA:Press Association

      Hamilton, 36, is technically unemployed at the moment after his Mercedes deal expired on December 31.
      Talks over an extension worth a record £40million per year rumble on.
      But while the two-time Sports Personality of the Year does look set to stay with the Silver Arrows, Jordan is unimpressed by the way Hamilton is handling the situation.
      He spent 14 years as an F1 team boss and had the likes of Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher as drivers.

      So the now-TV pundit knows what it takes to secure contracts with the sport’s biggest stars – and believes Hamilton does not deserve special treatment despite his success.
      Jordan told F1 Insider: “Apparently the parties disagree on the terms. I just heard that Lewis wants more than Mercedes are willing to pay.
      “It’s also about sharing the team’s income and having an influential role in the Mercedes group.
      “If I were the boss of Daimler, I would show him the door – either you drive on our terms or you go.

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      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt

      “I would also tell him what Bernie Ecclestone said after Ayrton Senna’s death.
      “Even though Bernie was shocked and sad like everyone else, he was the first to regain his composure and said to us, ‘Now stop whining – everyone is replaceable.’
      “Lewis should know that by now.”

      Eddie Jordan would show Hamilton no special treatment and ‘show him the door’ if he was too demandingCredit: Getty Images

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      Pierre Cherpin dead at 52: Dakar Rally rider dies from horror crash injuries while being flown to France for treatment

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      PIERRE CHERPIN has died at the age of 52 following injuries sustained in the Dakar Rally.
      Organisers of this year’s event in Saudi Arabia confirmed the tragic news on Friday morning following his crash earlier in the week.

      Pierre Cherpin was a 52-year-old amateur rally rider competing in his fourth Dakar RallyCredit: Alamy

      The Frenchman was being flown home after suffering serious head injuriesCredit: EPA

      Cherpin was found unconscious during Sunday’s seventh stage across the Arabian Desert.
      After undergoing surgery on ‘severe head trauma’ in the town of Sakaka, he had been placed in a coma before travelling back to France for further treatment.
      The 52-year-old then passed away during a medical plane flight from the Saudi city of Jeddah.
      A Dakar Rally statement read: “During his transfer by medical plane from Jeddah to France, Pierre Cherpin died from the injuries caused by his fall during the seventh stage from Ha’il to Sakaka.

      “The driver crashed at km 178, around 1:00 pm.
      “Doctors found him unconscious when they reached him by helicopter. Taken to Sakaka’s hospital, the medical report revealed a severe head trauma with loss of consciousness.

      Cherpin (left) pictured competing in the 2015 Dakar RallyCredit: Alamy

      The Frenchman had previously spoken of his ‘exciting’ time racing as an amateurCredit: AFP or licensors
      “Urgently operated in neurosurgery, he had since then been kept in an induced coma, his condition having remained stable over the past few days.
      “He was airlifted from Sakaka to Jeddah’s hospital from where he was going to be transferred to Lille’s hospital.”

      The Frenchman was racing on a Husqvarna 450 motorbike in his fourth Dakar Rally.
      His death comes after two competitors lost their lives in the 2020 event, Portuguese motorcyclist Paulo Goncalves and Dutch rider Edwin Straver.
      Already in this year’s race, a number of competitors had suffered injuries including Indian rider CS Santosh who was placed in an induced coma after a crash left him with head trauma and a dislocated shoulder.
      The famous endurance event takes place over 14 days with 322 entrants taking part in a range of vehicles including bikes, trucks, cars and quad bikes.

      I am an amateur, I don’t want to win but to discover landscapes that I would never have had the opportunity to see otherwise.
      Pierre Cherpin

      The Dakar statement added: “This 52-year-old entrepreneur and sailing enthusiast, had no other ambitions than to live an adventure, without really worrying about the podium.
      “[He once said]: ‘I am an amateur, I don’t want to win but to discover landscapes that I would never have had the opportunity to see otherwise. Everything is exciting: riding the bike, living your passion, getting to know yourself’.
      “The entire Dakar caravan would like to extend its sincere condolences to his family, relatives and friends.”

      F1 hero Alonso flips car twice down huge sand dune in Dakar Rally but amazingly carries on without windshield More

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      Charles LeClerc becomes fifth F1 driver to test positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating with mild symptoms

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      CHARLES LECLERC has become the fifth Formula One driver to test positive for Covid-19.
      The Ferrari ace had been on holiday in Dubai and upon his return to his Monaco home discovered that he had come into contact with a positive case.

      Ferrari F1 driver Charles Leclerc has tested positive for Covid-19Credit: PA:Press Association

      A subsequent test returned a positive result and the 23-year-old has now confirmed he is suffering with ‘mild symptoms’.
      He said on his Instagram: “I want to let you know that I have tested positive for Covid-19.
      “I am regularly checked according to my team’s protocols.
      “Unfortunately, I learned that I have been in contact with a positive case and immediately went into self-isolation, notifying anyone I had contact with.

      “A subsequent test I took has come back positive. I am feeling ok and have mild symptoms.
      “I will remain in isolation in my home in Monaco in compliance with the regulations set by the local health authorities. Stay safe and take care.”

      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt

      Lando Norris and F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton both picked up the disease when in Covid-ravaged Dubai.
      Sergio Perez missed two races at Silverstone last season.

      While Lance Stroll was forced to sit out of the Eifel Grand Prix after complaining of being unwell, which was later diagnosed as coronavirus.

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