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    Formula E: Antonio Felix Da Costa reveals how he went up a gear during lockdown as he closes in on first FE title

    ANTONIO FELIX DA COSTA has driven like a man possessed since Formula E’s return after 158 days out.
    Da Costa comfortably won the first two races since the restart and now has a whopping 68-point lead in the drivers’ championship.

    2

    Antonio Felix Da Costa boasts a 68-point lead in the title-race
    And with just four races remaining he seems nailed on to win his first ever FE title with the season coming to a close in Berlin on August 13.
    The Techeetah driver told SunSport how he managed to go up a gear during lockdown.
    He said: “I came into Berlin and I just wanted to make sure that if we don’t win it [the title], I would never blame myself for not being the best version of me.
    “I trained a lot, I recovered – I am healthier than I was before the lockdown.

    “For four or five years now I have been doing a double or triple motorsport programme between FE, being an F1 reserve driver, DTM and WEC.
    “It’s 150 flights a year and my body needed a break. 
    “So in a way these three months really helped me to reset, recover, get rid of pains I’ve had here and there.
    “I’ve trained and I started working with a mental coach as well, so I wanted to make sure I ticked every box. 

    “And if we did not win in the end, I did not want to blame myself for not training.”
    The next double header for Da Costa is on Saturday and Sunday this weekend, where he will hope to extend his lead in the title race.

    2

    Antonio Felix da Costa made it back-to-back wins on Formula E’s return

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    But Da Costa is aware his rivals will close the gap on him in the remaining races in Berlin.
    He added: “It’s all going to come down to have clean days and making no mistakes.
    “I am for sure expecting everyone to get closer and closer but that is why it was so important to get these two wins in the bag.”

    Formula E announce six races in nine days to complete season in Berlin More

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    F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix LIVE: FP1 done – Bottas beats Hamilton, Perez OUT with Covid-19, Leclerc racism storm

    Sun, sun, sun! 😎#f170 🇬🇧 #f1 pic.twitter.com/PkBZyOlqrm— Formula 1 (@F1) August 7, 2020 “},”date”:{“timestamp”:1596795060,”date_formatted”:”7th August 2020″,”time_formatted”:”11:11″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”317959″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12334383″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-317959″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    WE ARE BACK AT SILVERSTONEnn
    First practice for the Formula One’s 70th Anniversary Grand Prix is soon underway.nn
    Plenty of early news to get stuck in to.nn
    Perez has failed his latest COVID test, so he will NOT take part and will be replaced by Nico Hulkenberg again.nn
    Racing Point are also in the news after they were found to have illegally copied Mercedes’ brake ducts from last season – an infringement in the rules. nn
    The Silverstone-based team have been slapped with a €400,000 fine PLUS a 15-point deduction.n”,”raw”:”
    WE ARE BACK AT SILVERSTONE

    First practice for the Formula One’s 70th Anniversary Grand Prix is soon underway.

    Plenty of early news to get stuck in to.

    Perez has failed his latest COVID test, so he will NOT take part and will be replaced by Nico Hulkenberg again.

    Racing Point are also in the news after they were found to have illegally copied Mercedes’ brake ducts from last season – an infringement in the rules.

    The Silverstone-based team have been slapped with a €400,000 fine PLUS a 15-point deduction.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1596794465,”date_formatted”:”7th August 2020″,”time_formatted”:”11:01″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”317934″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12334383″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-jake-lambourne even thread-even depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-317934″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    HULK SMASHnn
    Nico Hulkenberg has spoke of his excitement at replacing Sergio Perez at Racing Point.nn
    He said: “I’m excited to get going again with the team at Silverstone. Last weekend, it was a real step into the unknown having been away from the team for a few years – and driving a car I’d never driven before.nn
    “I’ve learned a lot in the last week about the RP20, and I am ready to apply my experiences to this weekend. Racing at the same track again makes things a bit easier and the team has done a great job in helping me get up to speed.nn
    “I think we can fight for points this weekend, which is definitely my goal. I also want to wish Checo all the best in his recovery.”nn
    Racing Pont team boss, Otmar Szafnauer, added: “Nico did a really strong job last weekend after receiving a last-minute call to drive for us at Silverstone, and he proved why he was an obvious choice to stand in for Checo.nn
    “It was a big shame he couldn’t actually take the start of the race last Sunday, but the all that hard work will prove very useful for this weekend.nn
    “We miss having Checo with us, but we wish him well and look forward to welcoming him back into the team in the near future.”n”,”raw”:”
    HULK SMASH

    Nico Hulkenberg has spoke of his excitement at replacing Sergio Perez at Racing Point.

    He said: “I’m excited to get going again with the team at Silverstone. Last weekend, it was a real step into the unknown having been away from the team for a few years – and driving a car I’d never driven before.

    “I’ve learned a lot in the last week about the RP20, and I am ready to apply my experiences to this weekend. Racing at the same track again makes things a bit easier and the team has done a great job in helping me get up to speed.

    “I think we can fight for points this weekend, which is definitely my goal. I also want to wish Checo all the best in his recovery.”

    Racing Pont team boss, Otmar Szafnauer, added: “Nico did a really strong job last weekend after receiving a last-minute call to drive for us at Silverstone, and he proved why he was an obvious choice to stand in for Checo.

    “It was a big shame he couldn’t actually take the start of the race last Sunday, but the all that hard work will prove very useful for this weekend.

    “We miss having Checo with us, but we wish him well and look forward to welcoming him back into the team in the near future.””},”date”:{“timestamp”:1596790487,”date_formatted”:”7th August 2020″,”time_formatted”:”09:54″},”author”:”Jake Lambourne”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e61e782e3f7d2fa75a689c84a2a2473a?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”317921″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12334383″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-jake-lambourne odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-317921″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    IN THE NIC OF TIMEn
    BREAKING!n
    Sergio Perez has failed his COVID-19 retest and will again be replaced by Nico Hulkenberg for this weekend’s 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.n
    Hulkenberg joined Racing Point for last weekend’s British Grand Prix as a replacement for Perez, who tested positive in a pre-event check.n
    Perez – known as Checo – later revealed he had flown home to coronavirus-hit Mexico to see his mum, who was not well after an accident.n
    Astonishingly, yesterday Public Health England gave Perez the green light having served his quarantine period.n
    But F1’s Covid Code of Conduct means he needed a negative test to enter the paddock – which has subsequently failed.n
    It means Hulkenberg will get another attempt to race after last weekend a broken bolt prevented his F1 car from starting and he was forced to sit out.n”,”raw”:”
    IN THE NIC OF TIME
    BREAKING!
    Sergio Perez has failed his COVID-19 retest and will again be replaced by Nico Hulkenberg for this weekend’s 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.
    Hulkenberg joined Racing Point for last weekend’s British Grand Prix as a replacement for Perez, who tested positive in a pre-event check.
    Perez – known as Checo – later revealed he had flown home to coronavirus-hit Mexico to see his mum, who was not well after an accident.
    Astonishingly, yesterday Public Health England gave Perez the green light having served his quarantine period.
    But F1’s Covid Code of Conduct means he needed a negative test to enter the paddock – which has subsequently failed.
    It means Hulkenberg will get another attempt to race after last weekend a broken bolt prevented his F1 car from starting and he was forced to sit out.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1596789394,”date_formatted”:”7th August 2020″,”time_formatted”:”09:36″},”author”:”Jake Lambourne”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e61e782e3f7d2fa75a689c84a2a2473a?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”317913″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12334383″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-jake-lambourne even thread-even depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-317913″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    ‘FUSS ABOUT NOTHING’nn
    Sebastian Vettel has escaped another ticking off from the sport’s bosses – despite getting in a car with Racing Point boss Otmar Szafnauer.n
    The German, who was warned about breaching F1’s Covid Code of Conduct in Austria, where he was spotted talking to Red Bull team members without wearing a mask, was seen riding in Szafnauer’s Ferrari.n
    Szafnauer’s driver, Sergio Perez, only last week tested positive for Covid-19 and was forced into self isolation.n
    But Vettel – who has been linked a seat at the team next season – has NOT been warned about his latest blooper and the Ferrari man says he is in the clear because he wore a mask.n
    He said: “We were heading to the fuel station. After the fuel station he was going home and I continued going somewhere else.n
    “We were wearing masks… I find it a bit awkward nowadays that people make a fuss out of everything. I don’t see the news in that.”n”,”raw”:”
    ‘FUSS ABOUT NOTHING’

    Sebastian Vettel has escaped another ticking off from the sport’s bosses – despite getting in a car with Racing Point boss Otmar Szafnauer.
    The German, who was warned about breaching F1’s Covid Code of Conduct in Austria, where he was spotted talking to Red Bull team members without wearing a mask, was seen riding in Szafnauer’s Ferrari.
    Szafnauer’s driver, Sergio Perez, only last week tested positive for Covid-19 and was forced into self isolation.
    But Vettel – who has been linked a seat at the team next season – has NOT been warned about his latest blooper and the Ferrari man says he is in the clear because he wore a mask.
    He said: “We were heading to the fuel station. After the fuel station he was going home and I continued going somewhere else.
    “We were wearing masks… I find it a bit awkward nowadays that people make a fuss out of everything. I don’t see the news in that.””},”date”:{“timestamp”:1596788586,”date_formatted”:”7th August 2020″,”time_formatted”:”09:23″},”author”:”Jake Lambourne”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e61e782e3f7d2fa75a689c84a2a2473a?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”317882″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12334383″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-jake-lambourne odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-317882″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    ‘RACISM IS DISGUSTING’nn
    Charles Leclerc has lashed out on social media and insists he is not a racist.n
    The Ferrari driver tweeted his comments following a recent interview where he explained his reasoning for not taking a knee at the start of F1 races.n
    He said: “It is very sad to see how some people manipulate my words to make headlines making me sound like a racist. I am not racist and I absolutely hate racism. Racism is disgusting.n
    “Stop putting me in the same group as these disgusting people that are discriminating [against] others because of their skin colour, religion or gender.n
    “I’m not part of them and I never will. I’ve always been respectful to everyone and that should be the standard in today’s world.”n
    When quizzed about his Tweets ahead of this weekend’s GP at Silverstone, the 22-year-old said he wanted to post his comments to get his voice heard.n
    He added: “I just don’t want to be judged anymore. As I’ve said many times I’m active on social media and I don’t accept to be called the way I’ve been called in the last few weeks negatively obviously just because of not kneeling.n
    “I wanted to make a straightforward tweet just to express my feelings and that’s it.”n”,”raw”:”
    ‘RACISM IS DISGUSTING’

    Charles Leclerc has lashed out on social media and insists he is not a racist.
    The Ferrari driver tweeted his comments following a recent interview where he explained his reasoning for not taking a knee at the start of F1 races.
    He said: “It is very sad to see how some people manipulate my words to make headlines making me sound like a racist. I am not racist and I absolutely hate racism. Racism is disgusting.
    “Stop putting me in the same group as these disgusting people that are discriminating [against] others because of their skin colour, religion or gender.
    “I’m not part of them and I never will. I’ve always been respectful to everyone and that should be the standard in today’s world.”
    When quizzed about his Tweets ahead of this weekend’s GP at Silverstone, the 22-year-old said he wanted to post his comments to get his voice heard.
    He added: “I just don’t want to be judged anymore. As I’ve said many times I’m active on social media and I don’t accept to be called the way I’ve been called in the last few weeks negatively obviously just because of not kneeling.
    “I wanted to make a straightforward tweet just to express my feelings and that’s it.””},”date”:{“timestamp”:1596784808,”date_formatted”:”7th August 2020″,”time_formatted”:”08:20″},”author”:”Jake Lambourne”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e61e782e3f7d2fa75a689c84a2a2473a?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”317851″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12334383″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-jhutchinson even thread-even depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-317851″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    GOOD MORNING F1 FANSnn
    Lewis Hamilton says that this season’s title race comes in “the most important year of his life” as he continues to fight to end racism and support the Black Lives Matter movement.nn
    He said: “It is the most important year of my life to date with everything that is going on.nn
    “It is a different fight, championship-wise to other years. In the past, we have had the years where we fought Ferrari or Red Bull.nn
    “This year, it is different up to this point. But I do think it is a special year and I don’t take that lightly.nn
    “People often ask where we get our motivation from and there are so many things to take inspiration for and to be fighting for a championship in a time like this is empowering and exciting with the thought that there could be change to follow.”nn
    Elsewhere, Sergio Perez is in line for a shock return to racing – just seven days since testing positive for COVID-19.nn
    The Racing Point driver failed a coronavirus test ahead of the British GP after admitting he flew home to Mexico to see his mum, who had suffered an accident.nn
    He was placed into quarantine on Wednesday night – just when Public Health England upped the self-isolation limit was increased from seven to 10 days.nn
    However, the 30-year-old has been told he only needs to serve seven days in quarantine and can return to compete in this weekend’s 70th Anniversary GP at Silverstone – providing his latest test is negative.n”,”raw”:”
    GOOD MORNING F1 FANS

    Lewis Hamilton says that this season’s title race comes in “the most important year of his life” as he continues to fight to end racism and support the Black Lives Matter movement.

    He said: “It is the most important year of my life to date with everything that is going on.

    “It is a different fight, championship-wise to other years. In the past, we have had the years where we fought Ferrari or Red Bull.

    “This year, it is different up to this point. But I do think it is a special year and I don’t take that lightly.

    “People often ask where we get our motivation from and there are so many things to take inspiration for and to be fighting for a championship in a time like this is empowering and exciting with the thought that there could be change to follow.”

    Elsewhere, Sergio Perez is in line for a shock return to racing – just seven days since testing positive for COVID-19.

    The Racing Point driver failed a coronavirus test ahead of the British GP after admitting he flew home to Mexico to see his mum, who had suffered an accident.

    He was placed into quarantine on Wednesday night – just when Public Health England upped the self-isolation limit was increased from seven to 10 days.

    However, the 30-year-old has been told he only needs to serve seven days in quarantine and can return to compete in this weekend’s 70th Anniversary GP at Silverstone – providing his latest test is negative.
    “},”date”:{“timestamp”:1596778127,”date_formatted”:”7th August 2020″,”time_formatted”:”06:28″},”author”:”John Hutchinson”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d7090e3e6cc7b93f94b0afd0f1202ab1?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}}]},”pageMeta”:{“activeCarouselIndex”:0,”articleId”:12334383,”articleMountId”:”main-content”,”section”:{“slug”:”sport”,”id”:321,”sectionName”:”sport/motorsport”,”type”:”UNKNOWN”,”theme”:”theme-sport”},”spotId”:”sp_5v3VPY0c”,”pushlyKey”:”KtL4100XTLLEgUtYDKtO1stRdc1XNxnLUb5i”,”commentsAllowed”:true,”pageType”:”article”,”isSection”:false,”pageTags”:[“F1″,”Sport Live Blogs”],”renderedArticleId”:12334383,”sharingEnabled”:true,”socialHeadline”:”F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix LIVE: Latest updates as Hamilton chases another win at Silverstone”,”socialSharingServices”:[“twitter”,”facebook”],”urlAbsolute”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/12334383/f1-70th-anniversary-grand-prix-live-fp1-bottas-hamilton-perez-leclerc/”,”cssManifest”:{“adsDesktop.css”:”/assets/client/adsDesktop.101cf6a33dd70186a6ee.1.css”,”adsMobile.css”:”/assets/client/adsMobile.101cf6a33dd70186a6ee.1.css”,”article.css”:”/assets/client/article.101cf6a33dd70186a6ee.1.css”,”articleSocial.css”:”/assets/client/articleSocial.101cf6a33dd70186a6ee.1.css”,”boxout.css”:”/assets/client/boxout.101cf6a33dd70186a6ee.1.css”,”brightcoveDesktop.css”:”/assets/client/brightcoveDesktop.101cf6a33dd70186a6ee.1.css”,”brightcoveMobile.css”:”/assets/client/brightcoveMobile.101cf6a33dd70186a6ee.1.css”,”comments.css”:”/assets/client/comments.101cf6a33dd70186a6ee.1.css”,”core.css”:”/assets/client/core.101cf6a33dd70186a6ee.1.css”,”coreMobile.css”:”/assets/client/coreMobile.101cf6a33dd70186a6ee.1.css”,”customiser.css”:”/assets/client/customiser.101cf6a33dd70186a6ee.1.css”,”liveblog.css”:”/assets/client/liveblog.101cf6a33dd70186a6ee.1.css”,”oembed.css”:”/assets/client/oembed.101cf6a33dd70186a6ee.1.css”,”opta.css”:”/assets/client/opta.101cf6a33dd70186a6ee.1.css”,”page-404.css”:”/assets/client/page-404.101cf6a33dd70186a6ee.1.css”,”pagination.css”:”/assets/client/pagination.101cf6a33dd70186a6ee.1.css”,”rails.css”:”/assets/client/rails.101cf6a33dd70186a6ee.1.css”,”section.css”:”/assets/client/section.101cf6a33dd70186a6ee.1.css”},”cssBundles”:[{“src”:”article.css”,”lazy”:false},{“src”:”articleSocial.css”,”lazy”:false},{“src”:”liveblog.css”,”lazy”:false},{“src”:”adsDesktop.css”,”lazy”:false},{“src”:”comments.css”,”lazy”:true}],”siteContext”:{“site”:”sun”,”lang”:”en-gb”,”articleDateFormat”:”D MMM YYYY,H:mm”,”timezone”:”Europe/London”,”sourcepoint”:{“enabled”:true,”accountId”:”259″,”siteId”:”5048″,”mmsDomain”:”https://cmp.thesun.co.uk”,”privacyManagerId”:”5d9f9b096ea62d2769efe589″},”isProd”:true},”site”:”sun”,”isProd”:true},”siteLinks”:{“help”:”https://help.thesun.co.uk”,”login”:”https://login.thesun.co.uk”,”profile”:”https://home.thesun.co.uk”},”articleTeaser”:[{“content”:{“kicker”:”BLOODY HELL”,”headline”:”WWE icon Hardy needs 13 stitches after Geuvara smashes him with WRONG chair”,”lead”:”SHOCKING incident happened on AEW’s Dynamite show on Thursday night in the US. And it’s all because the Cuban-American grabbed the wrong chair.”,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/12337437/aew-wrestling-matt-hardy-chair-sammy-guevara/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”MOVED TO TIERS”,”headline”:”Arsenal stars Tierney and Saka overtake Aubameyang to sell MOST shirts”,”lead”:”SCOTTISH defender Tierney was hailed for his down to earth nature after he was pictured carrying his gear in a Tesco bag before playing Sheffield United.”,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/12331605/arsenal-kieran-tierney-saka-overtake-aubameyang-sell-shirts/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”PUMPING HART”,”headline”:”Free agent Joe Hart shows off shredded physique as he hunts for a new club”,”lead”:”NOW a free agent and struggling to find a new club, Hart has been hitting the gym – and looks in outrageous shape aged 33.”,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/12315593/joe-hart-body-transformation-transfer-ripped/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”SPITTING IMAGE”,”headline”:”UFC star Lewis SPITS in rival Oleynik’s food ahead of fight in sick video”,”lead”:”THE HEAVYWEIGHT rivals were sent food by the UFC’s Performance Institute in Las Vegas. And after Lewis got his hands on his and Oleynik’s food, he spat in the Russian’s meal. “,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/12337983/ufc-derrick-lewis-spits-food-alexey-oleynik/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”WHERE THERE’S A WIL”,”headline”:”Leeds prepare £15m bid for Liverpool’s Harry Wilson before Prem return”,”lead”:”THE 23-year-old has returned to Anfield after a season’s loan at Bournemouth but faces a fight to break into Jurgen Klopp’s title-winning team, despite finishing the season as the Cherries’ second top scorer.”,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/12312444/leeds-prepare-transfer-liverpool-harry-wilson/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”UTD LATEST”,”headline”:”Man Utd transfer news LIVE: Follow all the latest Red Devils updates and gossip”,”lead”:”UNITED are reportedly targeting four major signings before the Premier League resumes, but have been informed that they must make a £108m bid to land Jadon Sancho.”,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/12287037/man-utd-transfer-news-live-jadon-sancho-alexis-sanchez-jesse-lingard-mandzukic/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”PUTT IT THERE”,”headline”:”Tiger Woods roars into contention after ditching £70m putter at USPGA”,”lead”:”THE 15-time Major champion has won 14 of the big ones using the same putter. But he has switched to a new model at Harding Park because it is kinder on his surgically repaired back – and it is paying off.”,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/golf/12335832/tiger-woods-70m-putter-pga-championship/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”SPORTING CHANCE”,”headline”:”Fury shows caring side AGAIN as he builds new boxing facility for community”,”lead”:”GYPSY KING uploaded a video to his Instagram showing 5-a-side pitches at the site in his home town of Morecambe. As well as football, there will be boxing and rugby facilities at the Tyson Fury Foundation development.”,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/12336958/tyson-fury-builds-sport-centre-morecambe-boxing-football-rugby/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”gunners news”,”headline”:”Arsenal transfer news LIVE – Latest updates from the Emirates”,”lead”:”ARSENAL have won the FA Cup – and a path into Europe for next season. 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    Live Blog

    Sam Street

    7 Aug 2020, 16:32
    Updated: 7 Aug 2020, 16:32

    F1 is at Silverstone for a second week running and Lewis Hamilton will be hoping for a similar result.
    The Brit showed incredible calmness in last week’s British Grand Prix to win even after his tire punctured on the final lap.
    Follow all the updates from the F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix below…

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    Sergio Perez tests positive for coronavirus again with Nico Hulkenberg drafted in to replace him at 70th Anniversary GP

    SERGIO PEREZ has failed his COVID-19 retest and will again be replaced by Nico Hulkenberg for this weekend’s 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.
    Hulkenberg joined Racing Point for last weekend’s British Grand Prix as a replacement for Perez, who tested positive in a pre-event check.

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    Sergio Perez will miss this weekend’s 70th anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone after testing positive for coronavirus again

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    Nico Hulkenberg will replace the Mexican again
    Perez – known as Checo – later revealed he had flown home to coronavirus-hit Mexico to see his mum, who was not well after an accident.
    Astonishingly, yesterday Public Health England gave Perez the green light having served his quarantine period.
    But F1’s Covid Code of Conduct means he needed a negative test to enter the paddock – which has subsequently failed.
    It means Hulkenberg will get another attempt to race after last weekend a broken bolt prevented his F1 car from starting and he was forced to sit out.

    Hulkenberg said: “I’m excited to get going again with the team at Silverstone.
    “Last weekend, it was a real step into the unknown having been away from the team for a few years – and driving a car I’d never driven before.

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    “I’ve learned a lot in the last week about the RP20, and I am ready to apply my experiences to this weekend.
    “Racing at the same track again makes things a bit easier and the team has done a great job in helping me get up to speed.

    “I think we can fight for points this weekend, which is definitely my goal. I also want to wish Checo all the best in his recovery.”
    Racing Point confirmed Perez is “physically well and recovering”.
    And team boss, Otmar Szafnauer, added: “Nico did a really strong job last weekend after receiving a last-minute call to drive for us at Silverstone, and he proved why he was an obvious choice to stand in for Checo.

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    “It was a big shame he couldn’t actually take the start of the race last Sunday, but the all that hard work will prove very useful for this weekend.
    “We miss having Checo with us, but we wish him well and look forward to welcoming him back into the team in the near future.”
    Last weekend was Hulkenberg’s his first appearance at a Formula 1 event since he left Renault at the end of last season.

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    Sebastian Vettel escapes F1 rap despite breaching coronavirus rules again by riding in Racing Point boss’ Ferrari

    SEBASTIAN VETTEL has escaped another ticking off from the sport’s bosses – despite getting in a car with Racing Point boss Otmar Szafnauer.
    The German, who was warned about breaching F1’s Covid Code of Conduct in Austria, where he was spotted talking to Red Bull team members without wearing a mask, was seen riding in Szafnauer’s Ferrari.

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    Sebastian Vettel has escaped a rap from F1 bosses after his latest coronavirus protocol breachCredit: EPA

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    Vettel was seen riding in Racing Point boss Otmar Szafnauer’s FerrariCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Szafnauer’s driver, Sergio Perez, only last week tested positive for Covid-19 and was forced into self isolation.
    But Vettel – who has been linked a seat at the team next season – has NOT been warned about his latest blooper and the Ferrari man says he is in the clear because he wore a mask.
    He said: “We were heading to the fuel station. After the fuel station he was going home and I continued going somewhere else.
    “We were wearing masks… I find it a bit awkward nowadays that people make a fuss out of everything. I don’t see the news in that.”

    PEREZ RETURN
    Meanwhile, Perez is in line for a shock return to racing – just seven days since testing positive.
    Perez failed a coronavirus test ahead of the British GP after admitting he flew home to Mexico to see his mum, who had suffered an accident.
    He was placed into quarantine on Wednesday night – just when Public Health England upped the self-isolation limit was increased from seven to ten days.
    However, the 30-year-old has been told he only needs to serve seven days in quarantine and can return to compete in this weekend’s 70th Anniversary GP at Silverstone – providing his latest test is negative.

    Perez’s return would be a blow to Nico Hulkenberg, who was called up as a late replacement.

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    The German rushed to Silverstone and jumped in the Racing Point but was denied a chance to race after a broken bolt lodged in the engine prevented it from turning over.
    Hulkenberg said: “Obviously that would be somewhat disappointing, after having been back in the car and getting a taste of it and then this.
    “But it was always clear that I come in as a temporary replacement for Checo, not knowing if it’s one race, two races or what.”

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    F1 star Charles Leclerc lashes out on Twitter after being accused of racism – saying his ‘words were manipulated’

    CHARLES LECLERC has lashed out on social media and insists he is not a racist.
    The Ferrari driver tweeted his comments following a recent interview where he explained his reasoning for not taking a knee at the start of F1 races.

    It is very sad to see how some people manipulate my words to make headlines making me sound like a racist.I am not racist and I absolutly hate racism. Racism is disgusting. 1/3
    — Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) August 6, 2020

    Stop putting me in the same group as these disgusting people that are discriminating others because of their skin colour, religion or gender. I’m not part of them and I never will. I’ve always been respectful to everyone and that should be the standard in today’s world. 2/3
    — Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) August 6, 2020

    And to whoever is using my image to promote their wrong ideas, please stop. I’m not into politics and I don’t want to be involved in that. 3/3
    — Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) August 6, 2020

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    Leclerc was one of seven racers who failed to take a knee before last weekend’s British GPCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Leclerc, along with six other drivers, stood while the remainder of the grid all kneeled last weekend at the British GP.
    When asked why he refused to kneel, Leclerc told Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport it was due to the violence brought forth by Black Lives Matter protests.
    Leclerc said: “I’m against racism, I fight it and I’m glad F1 is using its platform to show the world the right way.
    “But I didn’t want to [kneel] because there have been many protests all over the world associated with violence, and I don’t accept any form of violence.

    “And I don’t like a civil protest to be used by politicians.”
    His comments sparked something of a backlash on social media, with many accusing him of being a “racist”.
    But in a strongly-worded statement on Twitter, Leclerc has now hit back at the claims.
    In a series of tweets, he wrote: “It is very sad to see how some people manipulate my words to make headlines making me sound like a racist.

    “I am not racist and I absolutely hate racism. Racism is disgusting.
    “Stop putting me in the same group as these disgusting people that are discriminating [against] others because of their skin colour, religion or gender.
    “I’m not part of them and I never will. I’ve always been respectful to everyone and that should be the standard in today’s world.”

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    Charles Leclerc finished third in last weekend’s British GPCredit: Reuters
    When quizzed about his tweets ahead of this weekend’s GP at Silverstone, the 22-year-old said he wanted to post his comments to get his voice heard.
    He added: “I just don’t want to be judged anymore.
    “As I’ve said many times I’m active on social media and I don’t accept to be called the way I’ve been called in the last few weeks negatively obviously just because of not kneeling.
    “I wanted to make a straightforward tweet just to express my feelings and that’s it.”
    Meanwhile, Kevin Magnussen has explained why he did not take a knee ahead of the British GP last weekend – when he had done so in the previous three races.

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    The Haas F1 driver said: “In terms of standing or kneeling, I want to make sure that I’m with the messaging of ending racism.
    “I support that movement, and not any sort of political organisation that I think the Black Lives Matter movement is.
    “I want to separate myself from that, and then push on with ending racism and that messaging, which I think is great that Formula One is doing.”

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    What is the F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix and why is it being held at Silverstone?

    SILVERSTONE is due to host its second race for the second weekend running as Formula 1 gears up for the 70th anniversary.
    Last week Mercedes dominated even though both cars suffered tyre failures in the closing stages of the race.

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    Hamilton will be ready to go again after his victory a week ago
    Lewis Hamilton just about managed to cross the finish line in first but Valtteri Bottas dropped out of the points race entirely.
    Carlos Sainz and Nicholas Latifi suffered punctures towards the end of the race as well, leading Pirelli to undertake a thorough investigation into their problems.
    What is the F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix?
    The F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix is a one-off Formula One motor race that’s due to be held at the Silverstone Circuit in Silverstone, UK.
    It is a 70-year commemoration of the F1 World Championship’s first ever race, which was held at the same track in May 1950.

    Formula One had existed since 1947 while Grand Prix racing is believed to have existed since 1901, but the 1950 race at Silverstone marked the birth of the World Championship.
    The race was not initially scheduled in the calendar but has been added after the cancellation of other non-European races due to coronavirus.

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    The race will take place with no audience due to government coronavirus guidelines
    When is the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix?
    The 70th Anniversary Grand Prix is set to go ahead on Sunday 9th August. 
    See below for timings.

    Practice One: 11:00 BST
    Practice Two: 15:00 BST
    Practice Three: 11:00 BST
    Qualifying: 14:00 BST
    Grand Prix: 14:10 BST
    Where can I watch it?
    Every session of the anniversary race will be shown on Sky Sports F1 channel.
    The Formula One dedicated channel will show all of the footage.
    If you aren’t already a Sky Sports subscriber, pick up a NOWTV sports pass at £9.98 per day More

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    F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix practice: Start time, TV channel, live stream and schedule for Silverstone

    F1 is celebrating its Platinum Anniversary after 70 years of high octane action.
    Silverstone is the venue once again as Lewis Hamilton looks to make it four race wins out of five this season.

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    Lewis Hamilton is looking for another victory at SilverstoneCredit: AFP or licensors
    Hamilton heroically held on to beat Max Verstappen despite having a punctured tyre at last week’s British Grand Prix and might be looking for a less wild ride this time around.
    What time is the F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix practice?
    The F1 race weekend gets underway on Friday, August 7.
    Practice one will commence at 11am UK time.
    Practice two will then follow at 3pm.

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    What TV channel is the F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix on and can I live stream it?
    Every minute of the F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix will be live on Sky Sports F1.
    To live stream the race, head to your Sky Go account.
    Non-Sky Sports subscribers can watch the full race by purchasing a Now TV Day Pass from £9.99.
    Unlike last weekend’s British Grand Prix, only highlights will be shown on Channel 4.
    Full schedule
    Friday, August 7
    Free Practice One (11am)
    Free Practice Two (3pm)
    Saturday, August 8
    Free Practice Three (11am)
    Qualifying (2pm)
    Sunday, August 9

    Race (9pm) More