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      Mercedes dominance has KILLED what F1 is all about and Lewis Hamilton’s endless wins are boring, slams Haas team owner

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      THE DOMINANT Mercedes engine has ‘killed’ Formula One’s competitive foundation, Gene Haas has claimed.
      The 68-year-old and owner of the Haas team believes that races have become stale during the hybrid era, which has seen Mercedes claim seven consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ titles.

      Lewis Hamilton won 11 of the 17 races as he cruised to the 2020 titleCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Gene Haas (centre) has seen his team drop back amid Ferrari’s woeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Lewis Hamilton romped to the world championship in 2020 and is heavy favourite to do so again this year.
      Potential challengers Ferrari, who supply much of the Haas car, have floundered of late, starving the car of power and aiding the Mercs’ hegemony.
      Haas told Racer: “In 2020 when Ferrari had a reduction in their horsepower, it was pretty obvious that all of the Ferrari engine cars had horsepower deficits compared to Mercedes, Honda and Renault.
      “Our boat’s tied to the Ferrari ship, so when they’re going slow we’re going even slower – I don’t think there’s much you can do about that.

      “We have no control over the parts that we obtain from Ferrari. We have faith that Ferrari can fix the problem.
      “And not only does Ferrari have this problem, but so does Honda and Renault – everyone’s at a deficit to the Mercedes engine.
      “They built an extremely high performance, high fuel efficiency, durable engine that no other team’s been able to come close to.
      “To me, it’s really killed what Formula One’s all about.

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      “More power to Mercedes for being able to dominate so much of the thing, but who wants to go to a race when you know who’s going to win every friggin’ race that’s out there? That just gets boring.”
      The coronavirus pandemic has led to F1’s next rulebook shake-up being delayed to 2022, which will be the most likely window for a new challenger to emerge.
      Haas is content for his cars to leave Ferrari to fight for the title, noting that his team, the youngest on the grid, is financially stable and enjoying the brand benefits of being in F1.
      Confident that he will remain in the sport for ‘at least the next five years’, the American admitted that the coming season will be another tough one for the team that claimed just three points in 2020.
      He added: “I’m optimistic about the future.
      “I know that this year’s going to be difficult because we basically have the same car as last year, and the power plant from Ferrari is going to be very similar to last year, so we know that’s not going to give us any competitive advantage.

      It’s also participating in races and drivers and the whole other aspect of the glory of Formula One racing. Which is fun!”
      Gene Haas

      Haas are set for another tough year after finishing ninth in the 2020 constructorsCredit: Getty – Pool

      “So I think that we have the mindset of realizing our position is always going to be probably three of four positions behind Ferrari. It kind of tells us where we’re going to be racing.
      “And that’s OK, this is Formula One, the pinnacle of motor racing.
      “We know we’re not going to be beating any of the Mercedes teams, so we just have to take what we have and learn to make the best of what we’ve got, which isn’t bad.
      “This whole sport is a lot more than just the engineering challenges and the engine development and all that stuff, it’s also participating in races and drivers and the whole other aspect of the glory of Formula One racing. Which is fun!”

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

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      Mercedes staff ‘live in constant fear’ ahead of new F1 season as Lewis Hamilton’s crew worry about repeating success

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      MERCEDES Technical Director James Allison has revealed the team are living in ‘constant fear’ about replicating last year’s success the 2021 season.
      Despite the Silver Arrows winning seven consecutive Constructors’ Championships, the 52-year-old has stated there is always a worry their car isn’t fast enough.

      Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team are the ones to beat in the 2021 F1 ChampionshipCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Mercedes go into the 2021 season as the huge favourites for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship.
      And the team were boosted by Lewis Hamilton’s contract extension earlier this month to put an end to speculation over his future.
      But with Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Alpine and Aston Martin all bringing in a new driver, Allison has opened up on the anxiety surrounding his team.
      In quotes obtained by Essentially Sports, he said: “We exist for one purpose.

      “And that is to produce a racing car that’s capable of fighting at the front, and hopefully, securing wins and championships.
      “At this stage of the year, you hope you’ve done enough work.
      “But we’re never certain until the cars are actually on a track, doing it for real.”
      Before adding: “Alongside all that excitement is the fear and that fear nagging away continuously at you.

      Lewis Hamilton is F1’s biggest earner
      “The moment you open your eyes in the morning, all the way through the day until you go to bed at night, the fear that you haven’t done enough.”
      Red Bull team boss Christian Horner believes Max Vertsappen could be eyed up by Mercedes when Hamilton’s deal expires after this season.
      He said: “I am sure that should Lewis decide to stop, then Max will naturally be the driver at the top of the list.
      “Mercedes also have George Russell and other drivers available to them.
      “It is all down to relationships and us having a competitive car and there are no guarantees for 2022.
      “It is a complete clean sheet of paper so if there is going to be a significant mix-up of the order, one would assume it will come with that big regulation change.
      “The reality is, that yes of course, as there has always been, there is an element of performance-related clauses to Max’s contract.
      “It will be down to us to deliver a competitive car. That is what he wants and that is what we want, so we are in an identical situation.”

      Mercedes chief Toto Wolff insists Lewis Hamilton’s new £40m deal was never in doubt More

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      Mercedes staff ‘living in constant fear’ ahead of new F1 season as Lewis Hamilton’s crew worry about repeating success

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      MERCEDES Technical Director James Allison has revealed the team are living in ‘constant fear’ about replicating last year’s success the 2021 season.
      Despite the Silver Arrows winning seven consecutive Constructors’ Championships, the 52-year-old has stated there is always a worry their car isn’t fast enough.

      Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team are the ones to beat in the 2021 F1 ChampionshipCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Mercedes go into the 2021 season as the huge favourites for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship.
      And the team were boosted by Lewis Hamilton’s contract extension earlier this month to put an end to speculation over his future.
      But with Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Alpine and Aston Martin all bringing in a new driver, Allison has opened up on the anxiety surrounding his team.
      In quotes obtained by Essentially Sports, he said: “We exist for one purpose.

      “And that is to produce a racing car that’s capable of fighting at the front, and hopefully, securing wins and championships.
      “At this stage of the year, you hope you’ve done enough work.
      “But we’re never certain until the cars are actually on a track, doing it for real.”
      Before adding: “Alongside all that excitement is the fear and that fear nagging away continuously at you.

      Lewis Hamilton is F1’s biggest earner
      “The moment you open your eyes in the morning, all the way through the day until you go to bed at night, the fear that you haven’t done enough.”
      Red Bull team boss Christian Horner believes Max Vertsappen could be eyed up by Mercedes when Hamilton’s deal expires after this season.
      He said: “I am sure that should Lewis decide to stop, then Max will naturally be the driver at the top of the list.
      “Mercedes also have George Russell and other drivers available to them.
      “It is all down to relationships and us having a competitive car and there are no guarantees for 2022.
      “It is a complete clean sheet of paper so if there is going to be a significant mix-up of the order, one would assume it will come with that big regulation change.
      “The reality is, that yes of course, as there has always been, there is an element of performance-related clauses to Max’s contract.
      “It will be down to us to deliver a competitive car. That is what he wants and that is what we want, so we are in an identical situation.”

      Mercedes chief Toto Wolff insists Lewis Hamilton’s new £40m deal was never in doubt More

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      F1 star Sebastian Vettel selling EIGHT supercars worth £5million including rare limited edition Ferrari Enzo

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      SEBASTIAN VETTEL is having a garage clear-out like no other after putting some of his multi-million pound supercar collection up for sale.
      The four-time F1 champ has enlisted the help of supercar salesman Tom Hartley Jnr to flog the motors.

      The 2016 LaFerrari – which has his personal logo etched into the headrests – costs a cool £1.5millionCredit: tomhartleyjnr.com

      Sebastian Vettel has put a stunning collection of supercars up for saleCredit: PA:Press Association

      Vettel, who will race for Aston Martin in F1 this season after being dumped by, Ferrari has put up EIGHT cars for sale, including a bespoke LaFerrari.
      Here they are in all their glory – coming in at just a shade under £5million in total.
      2016 Ferrari LaFerrari – £1.5m
      One careful owner from new. Vettel ordered this direct from Ferrari and he has looked after the 950hp sought-after motor.
      It has been regularly serviced and has just 300 miles on the clock. Finished in Ferrari red, it has his own personal logo etched into the headrests.

      It has a Nero roof, Alcantara upholstery with Rosso stitching throughout, 4-point safety harnesses, Ferrari telemetry, integrated audio system, track inner camera kit, suspension lifting system, red brake calipers, carbon fibre fog lamp, carbon fibre mirrors, carbon fibre lower part, anti-stone chipping film, sport exhaust pipes.
      Forbes valued the car at £1.5million.

      Sebastian Vettel’s logo is etched into the headrestsCredit: tomhartleyjnr.com
      2004 Ferrari Enzo – £450k
      One of only 400 ever made, this Ferrari has a screaming 651hp 6.0-litre V12 engine that can easily power the car to over 200mph.
      Again, it is very low mileage for the year, just 1,100 miles have been driven in this beast.

      The car also benefits from a fantastic service history from new and Ferrari ‘Red Book’ Classiche certification confirming it still retains its original chassis, body, engine and gearbox.
      The usual going price of the car is in the region of half a million pounds.

      One of only 400 Ferrari Enzo cars ever madeCredit: tomhartleyjnr.com
      1996 Ferrari F50 – £1.3m
      This beauty was picked up by Vettel on his first season at Ferrari in 2015. He picked it up from a collector in Denmark.
      It has a 4.7-litre V12 engine that draws on the power unit in the back Ferrari’s former F1 cars. It has a full service history and stands with 4,312 miles on the clock.
      It comes complete with its flight case, hard top, roll hoops, tonneau cover, Ferrari ‘Red Book’ Classiche certification binder which confirms the car still retains its original chassis, body, engine and gearbox.
      The car also retains its original handbooks including the very important service/warranty supplement, luggage bag, spare key, Ferrari car cover, battery conditioner and documented history file.
      The retro F50 can cost millions depending on the rarity.

      The F50 is one of Ferrari’s iconic modelsCredit: tomhartleyjnr.com
      2016 Ferrari F12tdf – £725k
      Yours for around £725,000, ironically Vettel helped to launch this model in 2015.
      Finished in yellow triple layer paint it has large carbon fibre racing seats with the ‘Vettel’ logo and prancing horse embroidered on the headrests.
      Extras include a coloured steering wheel, carbon fibre dashboard, yellow rev counter, passenger display, high power hi-fi system, radio navigation and Bluetooth, integrated audio system and personalisation plate.
      The also include suspension lifting system, 20″ forged Diamond rims, yellow brake callipers, carbon fibre filter box, carbon fibre fog lamp, engine covers in carbon fibre and an engine cover.
      The cover is signed by all the technicians who worked on the car through the production and there’s also titanium exhaust pipes, carbon fibre headlight buckets, plus a parking camera.

      Sebastian Vettel is also selling his yellow Ferrari F12TDFCredit: tomhartleyjnr.com
      2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale – £350k
      Maybe he is bitter about being shown the door by Ferrari, because this was the German’s order with the team.
      He requested metallic black paint, a grey racing stripe. Again it has large carbon fibre racing seats with the ‘Vettel’ logo and prancing horse embroidered on the headrests.
      A 4-point safety harnesses, Alcantara central tunnel, headliner in Alcantara, coloured steering wheel, yellow rev counter plus loads of carbon fibre add ons.
      It has an asking price of £350,000.

      The 2015 Ferrari 458 has an asking price of £350,000Credit: tomhartleyjnr.com
      2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series – £275k
      An absolute thumper of an engine, this super car is powered by a twin-turbocharged V12 engine that is said to crank out 670hp.
      This model has a carbon fibre roof.
      Only 350 ‘Black Series’ were ever produced and this particular example was gifted to Vettel after his victory at the first ever Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix.
      It is expected to sell for around £275,000.

      He also has two Mercedes cars up for sale, including this black SL65Credit: tomhartleyjnr.com
      2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG – £175k
      Another sporty Merc with plenty of punch thanks to a 6.2litre V8 engine.
      Painted in Magno Matte designo paint it has an AMG carbon ceramic braking system with yellow painted brake callipers and sports suspension.
      Inside, exclusive Nappa leather, AMG interior carbon fibre package, AMG performance steering wheel, Bang & Olufsen stereo.
      It will set you back £175,000.

      The 2010 SLS model is up for £175,000Credit: tomhartleyjnr.com

      2002 BMW Z8 Roadster – £175k
      Modelled on the BMW 507 used by James Bonds in the film ‘The World Is Not Enough’, the Z8 took ten-times longer to produce than a contemporary BMW as it was primarily assembled by hand.
      The most desired colour was Titan Silver metallic, of which only 1,895 examples were produced.
      Originally a US model, Vettel had this car converted to European specifications when he bought it in 2015.
      It has a £175,000 asking price.

      Sebastian Vettel also has a BMW Z8 RoadsterCredit: tomhartleyjnr.com

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      Mercedes staff living in ‘constant fear’ ahead of new F1 season as Lewis Hamilton’s team worry about repeating success

      by

      MERCEDES Technical Director James Allison has revealed the team are living in ‘constant fear’ about replicating success in the 2021 season.
      Despite the Silver Arrows winning seven consecutive Constructors’ Championships, the 52-year-old has stated there is always a worry their car isn’t fast enough.

      Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team are the ones to beat in the 2021 F1 ChampionshipCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Mercedes go into the 2021 season as the huge favourites for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship.
      And the team were boosted by Lewis Hamilton’s contract extension earlier this month to put an end to speculation over his future.
      But with Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Alpine and Aston Martin all bringing in a new driver, Allison has opened up on the anxiety surrounding his team.
      In quotes obtained by Essentially Sports, he said: “We exist for one purpose.

      “And that is to produce a racing car that’s capable of fighting at the front, and hopefully, securing wins and championships.
      “At this stage of the year, you hope you’ve done enough work.
      “But we’re never certain until the cars are actually on a track, doing it for real.”
      Before adding: “Alongside all that excitement is the fear and that fear nagging away continuously at you.

      Lewis Hamilton is F1’s biggest earner
      “The moment you open your eyes in the morning, all the way through the day until you go to bed at night, the fear that you haven’t done enough.”
      Red Bull team boss Christian Horner believes Max Vertsappen could be eyed up by Mercedes when Hamilton’s deal expires after this season.
      He said: “I am sure that should Lewis decide to stop, then Max will naturally be the driver at the top of the list.
      “Mercedes also have George Russell and other drivers available to them.
      “It is all down to relationships and us having a competitive car and there are no guarantees for 2022.
      “It is a complete clean sheet of paper so if there is going to be a significant mix-up of the order, one would assume it will come with that big regulation change.
      “The reality is, that yes of course, as there has always been, there is an element of performance-related clauses to Max’s contract.
      “It will be down to us to deliver a competitive car. That is what he wants and that is what we want, so we are in an identical situation.”

      Mercedes chief Toto Wolff insists Lewis Hamilton’s new £40m deal was never in doubt More

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      Lewis Hamilton and Alonso to go head-to-head before F1 season begins as Mercedes and Alpine announce same day car launch

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      LEWIS HAMILTON and Fernando Alonso will go head-to-head before a wheel has turned this season.
      Hamilton’s Mercedes team will launch their challenger for 2021 on March 2 – and now the newly-rebranded Alpine team have picked the same date.

      Lewis Hamilton will help unveil Mercedes’ 2021 car on March 2Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Fernando Alonso is plotting a route back to the top with AlpineCredit: AP:Associated Press

      It means both will be vying for coverage, as Alpine unveil their new livery since changing their name from Renault.
      Alonso, who drives for the French team, is recovering after undergoing surgery on a broken jaw following an accident on his bike in Switzerland.
      The 39-year-old is making his F1 comeback this year after quitting McLaren in 2018.
      The two-time world champion spent one turbulent season at McLaren with Hamilton in 2007 before quitting and returning to Renault.

      Alonso will be hoping he can get up to speed and challenge Hamilton for wins.

      Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo got his first taste of driving McLaren’s new F1 car at Silverstone on Tuesday.
      The Aussie, who joined from Renault, took to the track for a designated filming day to put the new car through a series of tests.
      It also allowed McLaren to assess the strength of their new Mercedes engine having parted with Renault over the winter.

      Ricciardo says he is confident having joined the Woking-based team and says they are on an upward trajectory.
      He said: “I feel like I’m coming here with a bunch of momentum behind the team as well.
      “There’s really good stability in the team, infrastructure. I’m basically just fitting into the puzzle as opposed to trying to put it all together.
      “I’m certainly feeling good about it. It all feels pretty right at the moment.
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      McLaren were first out the block in unveiling their 2021 carCredit: PA:Press Association

      “Do I know how it will turn out? I don’t. But I certainly feel McLaren have done the right things to set themselves up in particular for these rule changes coming in 2022.
      “I think that next era of F1 has the ability to certainly turn the field around a little bit.
      “Everything I’ve seen and everything I’ve known up until now certainly excites me about where McLaren is heading.”

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      Lewis Hamilton could quit F1 at end of next season after signing new £40m Mercedes contract… but only for one-year

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      LEWIS HAMILTON will consider walking away from Formula One at the end of this season.
      The Brit has signed an extension to his Mercedes contract to drive for the Silver Arrows in 2021.

      Lewis Hamilton has agreed a new 10-month contract with Mercedes for the 2021 seasonCredit: PA

      George Russell has been linked with taking Hamilton’s seat should he leave in 2022Credit: Reuters

      However, it is just a 10-month deal – rather than the expected two or three years – as the world champion is weighing up his future.
      Hamilton will earn a reported £40million this season as he goes in search of an eighth world title that would move him clear of the record he currently holds with Michael Schumacher.
      The 36-year-old already holds the record for the most wins (95), pole positions (98) and podium finishes (165) in F1.
      He said: “I am excited to be heading into my ninth season with my Mercedes team-mates.

      “Our team has achieved incredible things together and we look forward to building on our success even further, while continuously looking to improve, both on and off the track.
      “I’m equally determined to continue the journey we started to make motorsport more diverse for future generations and I am grateful that Mercedes has been extremely supportive of my call to address this issue.
      “I’m proud to say we are taking that effort further this year by launching a foundation dedicated to diversity and inclusion in the sport.
      “I am inspired by all that we can build together and can’t wait to get back on the track in March.”

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      Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has stated he isn’t commenting on Hamilton’s long-term future in F1Credit: AFP or licensors

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      I am inspired by all that we can build together and can’t wait to get back on the track in March.”
      Lewis Hamilton

      Mercedes CEO and team boss, Toto Wolff said that his team will be reevaluating as part of the new rules being introduced in to F1 in 2022 with fellow Brit, George Russell waiting in the wings.
      Wolff added: “Lewis needs to decide what his future holds for him, that’s why I wouldn’t want to comment on where Lewis stands.
      “The team needs to decide in the long term what we want to do about drivers.
      “Valtteri [Bottas] and Lewis have our 100 percent commitment and loyalty for 2021, we will support them with everything we have and we will then look beyond this year and see what is the line up we imagine in 2022 and onwards.
      “Our first discussions will be with Valtteri and Lewis in respecting our values of loyalty and integrity.
      “On the other side young drivers are the future therefore we need to consider how we want to set ourselves up for the years beyond.”

      Mercedes chief Toto Wolff insists Lewis Hamilton’s new £40m deal was never in doubt More

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      Lewis Hamilton only signed new £40m contract on 10-month deal due to dramatic regulation changes in 2022 season

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      IT took ages to get done, but finally Lewis Hamilton has signed a new contract with Mercedes.
      The biggest surprise however is that his reported £40million contract will only run for 10 months.

      Lewis Hamilton has finally signed on the dotted line to race in 2021Credit: PA

      Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff has explained the process behind the dealCredit: Reuters

      So why not the usual three year-deal for Hamilton as expected? After all, he was simply untouchable in 2020 as he won his record-equalling seventh world title.
      Well, it actually makes perfect sense for both Hamilton and Mercedes, with Toto Wolff admitting that both parties agreed that the short-term contract was the best solution.
      Team boss Wolff said: “We jointly agreed to do a one-year deal.
      “First of all there is a substantial regulation change in 2022.

      “We also want to see how the world develops.”
      Hamilton will turn 37 five days after this latest deal expires and has been weighing up life after F1 for several months.
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      Throughout the 2020 campaign he dropped little hints that he was considering his future.

      He has openly spoken about his other projects in fashion and music while he is now a racing team owner in the electric off-road series, Extreme E.
      Hamilton has also expressed his desire to remain at Mercedes in some capacity when he quits F1 and the establishment of a foundation between them in the new deal certainly lends itself to the legacy that he is trying to achieve.
      Wolff added: “The foundation was a joint idea that came up whilst we were discussing the new contract because we felt that making a real financial contribution to our diversity and equality project was an important statement.
      “Also it felt like the right thing to do and it shows our long-term commitment to each other because it is a multi-million investment into the foundation, which we are going to run jointly.
      “That was a joint idea between Lewis and us. We felt it was a very important topic to address.

      “The foundation is also a long-term commitment of ourselves and we are already very active in that field as Mercedes and the specific projects we define together and that’s not going to happen from one week to the other.”
      As for Mercedes, the stop-gap makes total sense as they prepare for 2022 and a new set of regulations that are designed to shake up the order of F1.
      While Hamilton can see if he likes the look of the future of F1, Merc too can make a call based on George Russell’s performances.
      After all, Valtteri Bottas is also out of contract at the end of this year, so Mercedes have the option to completely change their lineup if they wish to do so.
      The one thing which is clear is that despite the threat of more disruptions to this season due to cancelled races due to coronavirus, Mercedes will not hang around in making their decision.
      Unlike last year where they were willing to wait for Hamilton, this time it could be them calling the shots.

      We have agreed that we don’t want to drag it on as much or as long as we did this time around.
      Toto WolffOn Talks For 2022

      Wolff said: “The talks for 2022 will start earlier than the 2021 deal.
      “It’s always tricky to find some time whilst racing but we have learned the lesson that there can be external factors that can delay discussions and we don’t want to end up in January again.
      “So probably we are going to pick up chatting about 2022 much earlier. We have agreed that we don’t want to drag it on as much or as long as we did this time around.”

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