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    F1 calendar 2023: Season gets underway in Bahrain followed by Saudi Arabia but testing is first

    THE Formula One season is soon ready to get underway with fans excited for what should be another stellar season.Max Verstappen is aiming to retain his trophy after winning both the 2020 and 2021 driver’s titles.
    Max Verstappen celebrating the 2022 championship.Credit: Reuters
    Lewis Hamilton is hoping to improve on his 2022 campaign after finishing lower than he ever has done in sixth place and going winless all season.
    Charles Leclerc will be wanting to build on last season after finishing second in the driver standings.
    The hope is that the Ferrari car will be better than last season after it let him down numerous times.
    Sergio Perez will also be keen to improve after finishing third and will want to finish above team-mate Verstappen.
    Read more F1
    F1 calendar 2022
    All session and race timings are in UK time.
    Bahrain Grand Prix
    Venue: Bahrain International Circuit, SakhirFriday, March 3: Practice One 11:30am, Practice Two 3pmSaturday, March 4: Practice Three 11:30am, Qualifying 3pmSunday, March 5: Bahrain Grand Prix 3pm
    Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
    Venue: Jeddah Street CircuitFriday, March 17: Practice One 1:30pm, Practice Two 5pmSaturday, March 18: Practice Three 1:30pm, Qualifying 5pmSunday, March 19:  Saudi Arabia Grand Prix 5pm
    Australian Grand Prix
    Venue: Albert Park CircuitFriday, March 31: Practice One 2:30am, Practice Two 6amSaturday, April 1: Practice Three 2:30am, Qualifying 6amSunday, April 2:  Australian Grand Prix 6am
    Most read in Motorsport
    Azerbaijan Grand Prix
    Venue: Baku City CircuitFriday, April 28: Practice One 10:30am, Qualifying 2pmSaturday, April 29: Practice Two 10:30am, Sprint 2:30pmSunday, April 30:  Azerbaijan Grand Prix 12pm
    Miami Grand Prix
    Venue: Miami International AutodromeFriday, May 5: Practice One 7:30pm, Practice Two 11pmSaturday, May 6: Practice Three 5:30pm, Qualifying 9pmSunday, May 7:  United States Grand Prix 8:30pmItalian Grand Prix Grande Premio Del Made
    Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
    Venue: Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, ImolaFriday, May 19: Practice One 12:30pm, Practice Two 4pmSaturday, May 20: Practice Three 11:30m, Qualifying 3pmSunday, May 21:  Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 2pm
    Monaco Grand Prix
    Venue: Circuit de Monaco in Monte CarloFriday, May 26: Practice One 12:30pm, Practice Two 4pmSaturday, May 27: Practice Three 11:30m, Qualifying 3pmSunday, May 28:  Monaco Grand Prix 2pm
    Spanish Grand Prix
    Venue: Circuit de Barcelona-CatalunyaFriday, June 2: Practice One 12:30pm, Practice Two 4pmSaturday, June 3: Practice Three 11:30m, Qualifying 3pmSunday, June 4: Spanish Grand Prix 2pm
    Canadian Grand Prix
    Venue: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, MontrealFriday, June 16: Practice One 6:30pm, Practice Two 10pmSaturday, June 17: Practice Three 5:30m, Qualifying 9pmSunday, June 18:  Canadian Grand Prix 7pm
    Austrian Grind Prix
    Venue: Red Bull Ring, SpielbergFriday, June 30: Practice One 12:30pm, Qualifying 4pmSaturday, July 1: Practice Two 11:30am, Sprint 3:30pmSunday, July 2:  Austrian Grand Prix 2pm
    British Grand Prix
    Venue: Silverstone Circuit, NorthamptonshireFriday, July 7: Practice One 12:30pm, Practice Two 4pmSaturday, July 8: Practice Three 11:30am, Qualifying 3pmSunday, July 9:  British Grand Prix 3pm
    Hungary Grand Prix
    Venue: Hungaroring, BudapestFriday, July 21: Practice One 12:30pm, Practice Two 4pmSaturday, July 22: Practice Three 11:30am, Qualifying 3pmSunday, July 23:  Hungarian Grand Prix 2pm
    Belgian Grand Prix
    Venue: Circuit de Spa-FrancorchampsFriday, July 28: Practice One 12:30pm, Qualifying 4pmSaturday, July 29: Practice Two 11:30am, Sprint 3:30pmSunday, July 30:  Belgian Grand Prix 2pm
    Dutch Grand Prix
    Venue: ZandvoortFriday, August 25: Practice One 11:30am, Practice Two 3pmSaturday, August 26: Practice Three 10:30am, Qualifying 2pmSunday, August 27:  Dutch Grand Prix 2pm
    Italian Grand Prix
    Venue: Autodromo Nazionale MonzaFriday, September 1: Practice One 12:30am, Practice Two 4pmSaturday, September 2: Practice Three 11:30am, Qualifying 3pmSunday, September 3:  Italian Grand Prix 2pm
    Singapore Grand Prix
    Venue: Marina Bay Street CircuitFriday, September 15: Practice One 10:30am, Practice Two 2pmSaturday, September 16: Practice Three 10:30am, Qualifying 2pmSunday, September 17:  Singapore Grand Prix 1pm
    Japanese Grand Prix
    Venue: Suzuka CircuitFriday, September 22: Practice One 3:30am, Practice Two 7amSaturday, September 23: Practice Three 3:30am, Qualifying 7amSunday, September 24: Singapore Grand Prix 6am
    Qatar Grand Prix
    Venue: Losail International CircuitFriday, October 6: Practice One 11:30am, Qualifying 3pmSaturday, October 7: Practice Two 11:30am, Sprint 3:30pmSunday, October 8: Qatar Grand Prix 3pm
    United States Grand Prix
    Venue:  Circuit of The Americas, Austin, TexasFriday, October 20: Practice One 6:30pm, Qualifying 10pmSaturday, October 21: Practice Two 7pm, Sprint 11pmSunday, October 22: United States Grand Prix 8pm
    Mexican Grand Prix
    Venue: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico CityFriday, October 27: Practice One 7:30pm, Practice Two 11pmSaturday, October 28: Practice Three 6:30pm, Qualifying 10pmSunday, October 29: Mexican Grand Prix 8pm
    Sao Paulo Grand Prix
    Venue: Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, InterlagosFriday, November 11: Practice One 2:30pm, Qualifying 6pmSaturday, November 12: Practice Two 2:30pm, Sprint 6:30pmSunday, November 13: Sao Paulo Grand Prix 5pm
    Read More on The Sun
    Las Vegas Grand Prix
    Venue: Temporary street Circuit including the Las Vegas stripFriday, November 17: Practice One 4:30am, Practice Two 8amSaturday, November 18: Practice Three 4:30am, Qualifying 8amSunday, November 19: Las Vegas Grand Prix 6am
    Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
    Venue: Yas Marina Circuit, Yas IslandFriday, November 24: Practice One 9:30am, Practice Two 1pmSaturday, November 25: Practice Three 10:30am, Qualifying 2pmSunday, November 26: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 1pm More

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    What did Pep Guardiola say about Steven Gerrard?

    PEP GUARDIOLA is one of the greatest managers in football history – and has changed how the game is played.But he is not perfect and has put his foot in it after a passing comment made over an incident that occurred before he even managed in the Premier League.
    Steven Gerrard and Pep Guardiola shake hands ahead of a Premier League match in May last yearCredit: PA
    Steven Gerrard’s slip for Liverpool against Chelsea in 2014 has gone down as one of the most infamous moments in Premier League historyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    After it was announced Manchester City were being probed by the Premier League for over 100 suspected breaches of FFP rules, the Spaniard has come out fighting in a number of press conferences.
    But one recent comment was adjudged to have gone a bit too far and Guardiola has apologised to Gerrard.
    What did Pep Guardiola say about Steven Gerrard?
    Guardiola was commenting on an incident that occurred during the 2013-14 season.
    Liverpool were playing at home against Chelsea, a match they needed to win, but Gerrard slipped while on the ball and Demba Ba raced through to score for Jose Mourinho’s side.

    The Blues went on to win the game 2-0, with former Red Fernando Torres setting up Willian for the second.
    If City are found guilty of their FFP breaches, they could have the 2013-14 title stripped, with Liverpool declared retrospective champions.
    Commenting on the FFP probe Guardiola said: “Come on! Those moments belong to us.
    “They absolutely belong to us, regardless of the sentence, they belong to us. Think what we’ve done — nobody can remove that.
    Most read in Football
    “The good and bad moments we live, that’s part of everything and that’s not going to change, of course not.”
    He added: “The goal from Sergio Aguero . . . and I don’t know if we are responsible for Steven Gerrard slipping at Anfield.
    “Was that our fault?
    “All the moments we lived these years together. The Premier League will decide . . . but I know what we won and the way we won it.
    “I know the effort we put in.
    “If something happened in 2009 or 2010, it is not going to change one second of it.” More

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    Arsenal vs Man City: Prem title decider is guaranteed classic as Gunners look to keep City at arm’s length – live stream

    ARSENAL host champions Manchester City in what is sure to be an instant Premier League classic.Although Arsenal have only claimed one point from their last available six, Arteta and his men will be hoping to put form aside and beat title rivals City.
    Manchester City got the job done against Aston Villa to keep themselves firmly in the title race after the Gunners dropped pointsCredit: Getty
    Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard are the biggest threat to CityCredit: Getty
    Manchester City triumphed over Aston Villa in their previous fixture in a 3-1 win and will be hoping to bring their momentum to the Emirates.
    City played against Arsenal in the FA Cup in January and came out victorious due to a goal by defender Nathan Ake
    Neither side will be under any illusions over how massive three points is in the title race – either side winning will see the pendulum swing in their favour.
    When is Arsenal vs Manchester City?

    Arsenal’s decisive fixture against Manchester City will take place on Wednesday, February 15.
    Kickoff is scheduled for 7.30pm GMT in the UK.
    The game will take place in the Emirates which can hold 60,000 fans.

    Read more in football
    Is Arsenal vs Man City on TV and can I live stream it?

    The match is not being broadcast on a conventional tv channel.
    But Arsenal vs Manchester City will be streamed live on Amazon Prime, which comes with a 30-day free trial.
    SunSport will also bring minute-by-minute coverage of the match on the live blog to fans unable to watch.

    What is the team news?
    Mikel Arteta is set to continue without Gabriel Jesus and Mohamed Elneny who both have knee injuries.
    While academy stars Emile Smith-Rowe and Reiss Nelson will miss out due to their respective injuries.
    Pep Guardiola has to deal with an injury to John Stones who is expected to return on the 25th of February.
    Most read in Football
    Erling Haaland was taken off at half time against Aston Villa on Sunday after sustaining a knock, he will be assessed before the match.
    What are the odds?
    Arsenal win 19/10
    Draw 5/2
    Man City victory 7/5
    *Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication More

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    Floyd Mayweather vs Aaron Chalmers: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel for huge London exhibition bout

    FLOYD MAYWEATHER is set for his first fight in the UK as he takes on ex-Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers NEXT WEEK.Mayweather was last in action at the end of 2022 when he stopped KSI’s brother Deji in the sixth round of their fight.
    Mayweather will face Chalmers in a clash at the O2 Arena in LondonCredit: https://www.instagram.com/floydmayweather/?hl=en
    The 50-0 boxing icon also beat Mikuru Asakura and Don Moore in exhibition fights last year.
    Chalmers, best known for his stint on reality TV show Geordie Shore, has turned his hand to combat sports in recent years.
    Having won a few MMA bouts, most notably with Bellator, Chalmers launched his boxing career last year, winning on points.
    But a clash against one of the greatest fighters of all time in Mayweather represents an entirely different task.
    When is Mayweather vs Chalmers?

    Mayweather’s clash with Chalmers will take place on Saturday, February 25.
    The event will be held at London’s O2 Arena.
    Expect ring-walks for the event to get underway from around 10.30pm UK time.

    What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
    Mayweather vs Chalmers will be broadcast live on the Zeus Network.
    The price will be £25 to pre-order.
    Mayweather’s clash against Deji took place on DAZN PPV, but his fights have also been shown on Fite TV before.
    Most read in Boxing

    Mayweather vs Chalmers full card
    The undercard for Mayweather vs Chalmers has yet to be announced.
    Check back at SunSport for all the latest news for the event.
    What has been said?
    Mayweather wrote on Instagram: “Different face, different name, same results.
    “London we are still rocking and rolling on Feb. 25th at the O2 Arena. Tickets will be on sale soon. Stay tuned!!”
    While Chalmers said: “ITS ON. I’m fighting @floydmayweather at the 02 London on 25th feb!!
    “It doesn’t get much bigger than this for me!! Someone’s 0 has to go. The king is back @KSI, @tommytntfury, @jakepaul. Let’s fight this year once I smoke @FloydMayweather.” More

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    Barcelona vs Man Utd – European giants collide in huge Europa League encounter at Nou Camp – stream, TV

    MANCHESTER UNITED travel to the Nou Camp looking to beat fellow European giants Barcelona in the first leg of their Europa League clash. The Red Devils’ will be oozing with confidence after their recent victory over historic rivals Leeds.
    Rashford celebrating with Garnacho during the win over LeedsCredit: Getty
    And Rashford who has scored 21 goals in all competitions this season aims to carry his phenomenal goal-scoring form in Spain.
    Barcelona failed to qualify for the Champions League last-16 having finished third in their group.
    However, the Spanish giants are 11 points clear at the top of La Liga so they’ll be expected to cause Erik Ten Hag’s men some problems.
    When is Barcelona vs Man Utd?

    Barcelona’s anticipated fixture against Manchester United will take place on Thursday, February 16.
    Kickoff is scheduled for 5:45pm GMT, 6:45pm local time.
    The game will be hosted in Barcelona’s stunning Camp Nou stadium which can host up to 99,354 people.
    Barcelona ran out 3-0 winners when the sides last met in a 2019 Champions League quarter-final.

    Read more on Man Utd
    Is Barcelona vs Manchester United on TV?

    Barcelona vs Man Utd will be broadcasted live on BT sport in the UK.
    SunSport will also bring minute-by-minute coverage of the match to fans unable to watch.

    What is the team news?
    Erik Ten Hag is set to continue without long-term absentees Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek.
    Attacking duo Antony and Anthony Martial will both need to be assessed before the game.
    Unfortunately for Ten Hag, Lisandro Martinez is also suspended for accumulating three yellow cards in the group stages.
    Most read in Europa League
    And January signing Marcel Sabitzer is also unable to play for the same reasons – but he picked them up while playing for Bayern Munich instead.
    Marcel Sabitzer is suspended for the first leg vs BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    However, the Red Devils boss has the option to reintroduce Casemiro into the starting XI, as his suspension does not carry over to European games.
    Barca boss Xavi does not have as many injuries to deal with, however key players Ousmane Dembele and Sergio Busquets are set to miss out due to their respective injuries.
    Latest odds
    90 min only

    Barcelona 4/6
    Draw 3/1
    Man Utd 7/2

    To qualify (Incl ET and Pen)

    Barcelona 4/7
    Man Utd 11/8

    *Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication More

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    Who is Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim, what is his net worth and will he bid for Man Utd?

    THE EMIR of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, is said to be interested in buying Manchester United.The Emir is a keen football fan, having bought Paris Saint-Germain in 2011 through Qatar Sports Investment.
    Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is a fan of Man Utd and could table a bid in the next few daysCredit: Reuters
    The Glazers revealed in November that they were willing to listen to offers for either a stake in the Premier League giants or an outright purchase.
    A number of parties have expressed an interest in buying United, which could be purchased for a world-record price for a sports franchise at £4.5billion, or more.
    Interest comes from the Far East, Middle East and United States with Raines Group, the merchant bank, tasked with the sale.
    However, Friday’s deadline for bids is rapidly approaching, and the Qataris are set to make the first move.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Who is Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim?
    Born on June 3, 1980, the Emir is the fourth son of the previous monarch, Hamad bin Khalifa. 
    He took over as the head of state in 2013, when his father abdicated the throne.
    Sheikh Tamim studied at Sherborne School in Dorset and at Harrow School.
    He then attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he graduated in 1998.
    Most read in Football
    Both Prince William and Prince Harry of the UK Royal Family attended the same training facility.
    Sheikh Tamim is the current owner of PSG through Qatar Sports Investment and has imposed dominance in France.
    However, the efforts to establish themselves as Europe’s best haven’t been as fruitful with the Parc des Princes club yet to win the Champions League.
    Sheikh Tamim has been married three times and has thirteen children in total.
    In total, the Emir has seven sons and six daughters.
    Sheikh Tamim has been married three times and has thirteen children in totalCredit: AP
    What is Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim’s net worth?
    Sheikh Tamim is estimated to be worth around £1.6billion alone.
    But the ruling royal family’s collective net worth is estimated at around £276bn.
    The Thani family hold investments in a number of properties around the world, including London’s Shard skyscraper, Olympic Village, Harrods department store, Canary Wharf, the Chelsea Barracks and New York’s Empire State Building.
    The royals also hold investments in Barclays Bank, British Airways and Volkswagen.
    The Thani family hold investments in a number of properties including The ShardCredit: Alamy
    Will Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bid for Man Utd?
    According to Bloomberg, yes.
    There have reportedly been talks between the Glazers and the Qatari investors.
    The report states the Qatar-based financers are “set to make an offer for Manchester United in the coming days” in a “move that would cement the country’s desire to become a major player in global sports”.
    It is said the initial bid is being thrashed out with help from officials at the sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority.
    The deeply unpopular Glazers want a world-record £6bn for the Old Trafford giants, who have not won a trophy since 2017 – although that figure may be lowered.
    A bid for Man Utd is expected in the next few daysCredit: EPA
    Can Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim own Man Utd and PSG?
    There are no restrictions on an owner acquiring multiple clubs at the same time in different countries.
    The owners of rivals Man City own another 10 football teams around the world.
    So yes, Sheikh Tamim could own Man Utd and PSG.
    Sheikh Tamim owns PSG as part of Qatar Sports InvestmentCredit: AFP
    Can both teams play in Champions League?
    Per Uefa rules, no.
    Uefa implemented an ‘Integrity of the Uefa Club competitions: Independence of clubs’ rule in 1998 which states that no two clubs participating in a Uefa competition may be directly or indirectly controlled by the same ownership group.
    This is defined by:

    The majority of the shareholders’ voting rights in another club in the same Uefa club competition;
    Or, another right to appoint or remove a majority of the directors in another club in the same Uefa club competition;
    As well as, majority of the shareholders’ voting rights (through a shareholders’ agreement) in another club in the same Uefa club competition.

    Therefore, if a Qatari group owned United while they and PSG qualify for the Champions League, the ownership group would more than likely have to choose who plays in it.
    These rules have been put in to place to protect the integrity of the competition.
    Read More on The Sun
    However, Sheikh Tamim and Co are looking for ways around that with the bid coming from individual Qatari investors – not being a part Qatar Sports Investment.
    That would need to be proved with any ownership test certain to look into potential ties between them.
    Sheikh Tamim and Co are looking for ways around that with the bid coming from individual Qatari investors – not being a part Qatar Sports Investment so both Man Utd and PSG can play in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty More

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    Misfits Boxing 2023: FULL fight dates, results and confirmed events as shows take place across the world

    MISFITS BOXING is set to have its biggest fights in 2023 – and SunSport will be taking a deep dive into the upcoming action. Misfits owner – KSI TKO’D Faze Temper during the first round of his most recent fight in January and is scouting for his next opponent.
    KSI celebrates victory in the cruiserweight bout against FaZe Temperrr.Credit: PA
    And the youtube star’s next rumoured opponent is ex-professional Joe Fournier, who was in contention to fight KSI after Dillon Dallis dropped out.
    KSI has openly stated that the fight after his next will most likely be the much-anticipated fight against Jake Paul. He wants to fight him but needs to get rid of “ring rust” first.
    Other fan-favourite influencers include Salt Papi, King Kenny and Slim.
    JANUARY 14: Salt Papi celebrates after defeating Josh BruecknerCredit: Getty
    Check out SunSport’s extensive Misfits Boxing schedule for 2023 below…
    Upcoming misfits events
    March 4 – Telford
    April 22 – New Orleans
    May 13 – London
    June 10 – Nashville
    Most read in Boxing
    July 22 – Berlin
    August 26 – London
    September 30 – Ibiza
    November 4 – Austin
    December 16 – Cardiff
    Where to watch Misfits Boxing events?

    Misfits Boxing currently has a partnership with DAZN in the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, France, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Netherlands and Mexico.
    Some of the events are PPV while others are included with a DAZN subscription. More

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    Borussia Dortmund vs Chelsea: Potter faces tough Champions League tie as Blues take on Bellingham and Co – Stream, TV

    CHELSEA face a tough test as they travel to Borussia Dortmund for the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie. The Blues were staring an early exit in the face after taking just one point from their opening two fixtures.
    Jude Bellingham in action for Borussia Dortmund in this seasons Champions League.Credit: Reuters
    Mason Mount in Champions League action for Chelsea this season.Credit: AP
    But a rejuvenated Chelsea went on to win their remaining four games – including consecutive victories against Italian giants AC Milan.
    Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund finished runners-up in Group G
    However, Jude Bellingham and Co will feel as if they can get the better of this new-look Chelsea.
    Joao Felix opened his account for the Blues in a 1-1 draw against West Ham at the weekend, with new signing Enzo Fernandez getting the assist.
    Champions League
    When is Borussia Dortmund vs Chelsea?

    Borussia Dortmund’s clash with Chelsea will take place on Wednesday, February 15.
    The game will kick off at 8pm UK time.
    Signal Iduna Park will play host.

    What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

    Borussia Dortmund’s clash with Chelsea will be shown live on BT Sport 1.
    You can live stream it from the BT Sport app which is available to download onto your mobile or tablet device.

    Can I watch it for free?

    No, you must have a subscription to BT Sport to watch the game.

    Team news
    Borussia Dortmund are set to be without right back Thomas Meunier as he continues his recovery from a torn muscle fibre.
    Most read in Champions League
    Julian Ryerson should be fit to feature following illness.
    Chelsea will be without Armando Broja, N’Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy and Christian Pulisic.
    Denis Zakaria and Wesley Fofana are likely to miss out as well although they have both made significant steps in their recovery. More