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      Lewis Hamilton congratulated over 2021 F1 title win after Red Bull cost cap breach as fans call for him to win crown

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has been congratulated for winning the 2021 F1 world title after Red Bull were found to have breached the salary cap.Red Bull were found guilty of overspending last year, when Verstappen controversially pipped Hamilton to the title in the final race of the season.
      Lewis Hamilton has been congratulated as 2021 world championCredit: Reuters
      Red Bull have been found guilty of overspending in the year Max Verstappen pipped Hamilton to the crownCredit: AP
      Verstappen’s team were found to be responsible for a “minor” breach of the regulations, going over the £114million limit by £5.7m.
      Their punishment is expected to be a fine, and not a points deduction that would see Verstappen stripped of last year’s title.
      But some are already congratulating Hamilton for being 2021 world champ, before the punishment is confirmed.
      Rich Energy, a British drinks company and former partner of Haas, took to Twitter to weigh in on the row.
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      The company, founded by William Storey, have already decided that Hamilton should be crowned as 2021 champion.
      They called stripping Verstappen of his first title an “easy decision” for the FIA, the governing body for F1.

      A tweet said: “An easy decision for the FIA now. It is imperative that the integrity of the great sport of Formula One is maintained.
      “Congratulations Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes AMG on a well-deserved world title in 2021.”
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      While Red Bull are only expected to be fined for their overspending, other fans have also already crowned Hamilton as champion for last year.
      One said: “All hail the 2021 F1 Champion, Sir Lewis Hamilton.”
      Another wrote: “Sir Lewis Hamilton, the only legitimate World Champion of 2021.”
      And a third said: “Say it with me now. Lewis Hamilton is the 2021 Formula One World Champion.”
      Verstappen narrowly beat Hamilton to the title in 2021 by eight points after winning the final race of the campaign in Abu Dhabi.
      Former race director Michael Masi allowed five cars to unlap themselves after a late safety car which enabled Verstappen, on fresh tyres, to overtake Hamilton on the last lap.
      Lewis Hamilton has been congratulated for winning last year’s world title by a former Haas partnerCredit: https://twitter.com/rich_energy More

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      Lewis Hamilton relaxes after another controversial F1 race by popping wheelies with £135 remote control monster truck

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has found a novel way of relaxing after another controversial F1 race – by popping wheelies on a remote-controlled monster truck. The seven-times World Champion finished 5th at the weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix after being frustrated for much of the race by Alpine’s Esteban Ocon.
      A gleeful Lewis Hamilton had fun taking his monster truck out for a spinCredit: https://www.instagram.com/lewishamilton/?hl=en
      The F1 star enjoyed doing wheelies with his remote-controlled car as he enjoyed his downtime away from the trackCredit: https://www.instagram.com/lewishamilton/?hl=en
      He then had to watch former title rival Max Verstappen pick up his second F1 crown, a year after he pipped Hamilton to last year’s title in dramatic and contentious circumstances.
      The Brit put all of that on the backburner as he enjoyed his downtime before the US Grand Prix.
      Hamilton posted a video of himself buying a remote-controlled Lunchbox branded truck, which is valued at £135.
      The video shows the F1 star excitedly handling the yellow vehicle and bouncing it on the store counter.
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      Hamilton then nods in satisfaction before buying the toy and taking it outside.
      The 37-year-old then drives it around in glee, at one point exclaiming “it’s so cool!”
      He then starts tipping the truck on its back wheels as he drives it around before shouting “it does wheelies!”
      Before his youth karting and then his F1 career, Hamilton used to race remote-controlled cars around and has previously spoke of his passion for it.
      Hamilton is still looking for his first F1 win of the seasonCredit: https://www.instagram.com/lewishamilton/?hl=en
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      The Mercedes driver will be back to racing in a real car when F1 goes to Austin later this month as he prepares for the final four races of the season.
      But the sport is caught in a cycle of controversy at the moment and it continued in the last race in Japan.
      Verstappen’s inevitable crowning was almost overshadowed by confusion over the rules.
      F1 chiefs also have questions to answer after Alpha Tauri driver Pierre Gasly was left furious by the appearance of a recovery truck on a wet track in Suzuka.
      And fans were angry after Red Bull were found to have breached cost cap rules yesterday.
      These recent issues come on top of an ongoing row about Hamilton’s jewellery and debates over races ending under the safety car. More

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      Max Verstappen being handed F1 title at Japan GP was rule ‘mistake’ – admits Red Bull chief Christian Horner

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      RED BULL team boss Christian Horner has admitted that Max Verstappen’s title win at the Japanese Grand Prix was a “mistake” due to the rules. Confusion reigned after Sunday’s rain-hit race at Suzuka as the Dutchman was crowned champion in a race that had only been half-completed.
      Red Bull celebrated consecutive Driver’s Championships after some initial confusion in JapanCredit: Rex
      A heavy downpour saw the race red-flagged only a couple of laps after it began, with the remainder run under timed conditions due to the rules.
      While historical precedent would normally mean reduced points as the full race was not fully completed, instead drivers received the full allocation of points at the chequered flag.
      This appeared due to a glaring loophole in the rules introduced by the FIA, F1’s governing body, after last year’s heavily-criticised Belgian Grand Prix.
      The 25 points for winning the race was enough to crown Verstappen champion after title rival Charles Leclerc lost 2nd place due to a penalty.
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      Horner admitted the confusing spectacle should not have happened despite his 25-year-old driver securing another F1 crown.
      The team principal told reporters: “I think it’s a mistake that wasn’t included after the issues in Spa last year.
      “We were under the strong impression that only with 75 per cent of the race completed would full points be scored.
      “So we felt we were going to be one point short. But, in the end, Checo’s move on Charles nailed Max the championship. So you can see his surprise, the team’s surprise. But what a wonderful surprise.”
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      Verstappen himself admitted his coronation was “confusing”, “weird” and “quite funny”.
      The Red Bull driver’s second title had been inevitable for some weeks after he pulled a commanding lead on his rivals with a series of race wins.
      But the confusion over the rules echoed the far more controversial ending to last season, when safety cars ruled were implemented incorrectly and effectively lost Lewis Hamilton a record-breaking championship.
      Sunday’s race decider also attracted condemnation for reasons outside of the points confusion.
      Alpha Tauri’s Pierre Gasly was left furious after a recovery tractor arrived on track to clear up the debris of Carlos Sainz’s crash.
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      The incident came eight years after Jules Bianchi lost his life after hitting a recovery vehicle at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix in wet conditions.
      Meanwhile, even more controversy raged around the sport yesterday after Red Bull were found to have breached the cost cap. More

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      F1 cost cap rule explained amid huge row that could see Lewis Hamilton crowned 2021 champ instead of Max Verstappen

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      FORMULA ONE is set for one of the biggest rows in years which could yet see Lewis Hamilton crowned as 2021 F1 world champion.This Wednesday, the sport’s governing body [FIA] will publish their investigation into teams’ spending during last season.
      Max Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton to last year’s titleCredit: Getty
      There is now financial controversy regarding the winCredit: Getty
      Last year, new budget cap rules were introduced to stop teams from spending more than £114million on developing their cars.
      This was in the hope of making the grid more competitive and prevent certain teams dominating thanks to quicker cars.
      In previous seasons, the likes of Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari have spent over three times that amount at a serious disadvantage to those teams lower down the grid.
      The FIA have outlined strict penalties for breaking the rules, including disqualifying teams and drivers from last year’s championship.
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      What is the background?
      Teams were supposed to submit their financial reports back in March – yet the deadline elapsed.
      Now, the FIA have the accounts, which have all passed through auditors, they will be able to establish whether teams have spent more than they should have done.
      If they are under, they are issued a certificate this coming Wednesday. If they have gone over, they won’t.
      The rumours are that Red Bull and Aston Martin are two teams that have overspent but they are likely to plead their innocence.
      As it’s the first year of the rules there are confusions as to what and what is not included in small details like providing staff with free food in their respective canteens or sick pay.
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      What if a team does NOT get a certificate?
      It will depend on how much they are over. If their spending is deemed as minor – under five per cent of the £114m – £5.7m – they will be sanctioned by the FIA.
      While the list of penalties include points deductions for teams and drivers, there is a growing feeling it will be a financial penalty.
      Should a team accept that punishment then they would be issued the certificate on the proviso of paying the fine.
      If they do not accept the penalty, it will be escalated further through an independent panel.
      However if the amount is more then it is classed as a “material” breach. That means the case is immediately passed to the independent panel.
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      Who are the independent panel?
      A minimum of six and a maximum of 12 people will form the panel.
      They are picked from an undetermined number of people suggested by the FIA’s General Assembly and a group of no less than five F1 teams.
      The panel has not yet been assembled and it could take time to put together but they will be financial and legal experts.
      Crucially, they will have the power to determine the punishment, as stipulated in the rules, such as points deduction, financial penalties or even disqualification from the championship.
      What if a team still refuses to accept it?
      Then the matter still has the potential to progress to the International Court of Appeal, who will decide the matter.
      This is what Mercedes had threatened last December following the controversial outcome to the title decider in Abu Dhabi, but decided against pursuing that option. More

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      Red Bull GUILTY of breaching F1’s spending cap but Lewis Hamilton will still NOT be awarded Max Verstappen’s 2021 title

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      RED BULL have been found guilty of breaking F1’s cost-cap rule – however their punishment will NOT see Lewis Hamilton handed last year’s title.The sport’s governing body – the FIA – have finally published their analysis of the team’s accounts for last season, which saw the introduction of the spending limit for the first time.
      Red Bull will NOT be stripped of last year’s titleCredit: Getty
      Lewis Hamilton missed out on an eighth world title in controversial fashion last yearCredit: Rex
      The amount was set at £114million for 2021 and was brought in to increase the competitiveness across the field, with top teams previously spending three times that amount to gain a massive advantage.
      As a result, teams were forced to restructure their businesses to comply with the rules, however, despite being adamant that they were under the limit, Red Bull were found to be over it.
      Amazingly, given the FIA’s promise to provide increased transparency under the stewardship of new president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the report did not disclose the amount Red Bull went over.
      However, it did amount to less than five percent (£5.7million) of the £114million total triggering a “minor” breach of the regulations.
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      A list of possible penalties included stripping Verstappen of the title he won in 2021 in controversial circumstances, however, the punishment is now expected to be a fine.
      It means he will retain both last year’s and the title he clinched on Sunday in Japan.
      Red Bull do have a right to appeal but are expected to cough up the penalty in a decision that will leave their rivals furious.
      Key figures at rivals Ferrari and Mercedes feel the term “minor” is misleading, for any breach of the cost cap is still a performance benefit.
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      So, should Red Bull argue their sums were over due to including sick pay and providing free food for staff in their canteen, their rivals would suggest that money could be spent on car development.
      At Suzuka on Sunday Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto interestingly said his team’s designs were “cars that have been developed maintaining and respecting the budget cap itself”.
      He said: “We know how much, even if it’s a minor breach, it would have implied in terms of performance.
      “I mentioned $5m (£4.5m) is about half a second, even one or two million is about one or two-tenths which is about from being second on the grid or being on pole and maybe having the fastest car.
      “Obviously it’s about 2021. It’s an advantage you gain over the following seasons.”
      Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton said the previous week that even a $300,000 (£270k) additional spend could have changed the outcome of the 2021 battle.
      At the Singapore GP he said: “I remember last year in Silverstone we had our last upgrade and fortunately it was great and we could fight with it.
      If we had spent $300,000 on a new floor or an adapted wing it would have changed the outcome of the championshipLewis Hamilton
      “But then we would see Red Bull every weekend or every other weekend bringing upgrades. They had, I think, at least four more upgrades from that point.
      “If we had spent $300,000 on a new floor or an adapted wing it would have changed the outcome of the championship, naturally, because we would have been in better competition in the next race you had it on.”
      Aston Martin, who were also rumoured to have over spent, were still issued with a compliance certificate despite filling in a form incorrectly.
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      An FIA statement said that while Red Bull triggered a “minor” breach, both Aston Martin and Williams were guilty of a “procedural” breach.
      A statement from the FIA said: “The FIA cost cap administration is currently determining the appropriate course of action to be taken under the financial regulations with respect to Aston Martin and Red Bull and further information will be communicated in compliance with the regulations.” More

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      ‘I won’t be on the grid in 2023’ – Daniel Ricciardo gives up on F1 place for next year after Gasly and De Vries updates

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      DANIEL RICCIARDO appears to have given up any hope of getting a seat in Formula One in 2023. The Honeybadger had been hoping to secure a seat for next year after McLaren ditched him in favour of highly-rated compatriot Oscar Piastri.
      Daniel Ricciardo admitted he doesn’t think he will have an F1 seat in 2023Credit: Getty
      Ricciardo was all smiles despite his immediate F1 future looking precariousCredit: Rex
      However, with the announcements of Pierre Gasly and Nyck De Vries going to Alpine and Aston Martin respectively, Ricciardo has given up on the prospect of a drive in 2023.
      An understandably disappointed Ricciardo said: “To be honest, the Gasly news I was aware of.
      “I knew they were talking for a while and I knew they were very interested in Pierre, so I would say I was prepared for that and no surprise.
      “We were trying to navigate our way round that and figure out what was next, but I think the reality now is I won’t be on the grid in 2023.”
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      Two options did remain for the 33-year-old in terms of vacancies, with seats still available at Haas and Williams, but it seems neither team want to take the plunge with Ricciardo.
      The eight-time race winner has suffered an astonishing collapse of form throughout the season and sits an incredible 72 points behind team-mate Lando Norris.
      But Ricciardo has dismissed talk of retirement by declaring his intention to return in 2024.
      He added: “I think it’s now just trying to set-up for 2024. I think there could be some better opportunities then, so that’s really what all this confirms and now where the sights are set.
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      “Certainly the plan is still to be involved in F1 and this is kind of like just hitting pause for a little bit.
      “That’s the way I see it as far as my F1 career goes.
      “Sure, (racing in other series) could open up opportunities to maybe do some of that stuff but if I feel it’s going to deviate away from my target, I would still say it’s not really where I’m looking.
      “As cool as it sounds to compete in something else, the truth is mentally I’m not there yet.
      “I’m still so engaged in this, and I think a bit of time off or out of a seat will probably do me good so I would probably use that as opposed to trying to jump in something else and stay busy in a different category.
      The Honeybadger could only manage a P11 finish at the Japan Grand PrixCredit: Rex
      “So I would still say pretty convincingly it wouldn’t happen anywhere else.”
      A move of this nature would see Ricciardo follow similar paths to that of two-time champion Fernando Alonso and one-time podium sitter and current Haas driver Kevin Magnussen.
      In the meantime, Ricciardo has also been linked with taking up a position as a reserve driver at Mercedes, meaning he would step in whenever Lewis Hamilton or George Russell were unable to compete.
      After a strong P5 finish in Singapore, Ricciardo then limped to a P11 during a turbulent Japanese Grand Prix.
      The race saw the FIA once again embroiled in controversy over the way points were allocated, with an eventual ruling which indicated Max Verstappen was once again the world champion.
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      But even this was overshadowed by drivers being incensed about a tractor being on the track while cars were, given the events which transpired in 2014 that cause the tragic death of Jules Bianchi.
      With the driver’s championship now concluded, F1 will next head to the USA for the next race on October 23. More

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      ‘Congratulations on your first F1 title’: Bitter Mercedes fans brutally troll Max Verstappen following 2021 controversy

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      SOUR Mercedes fans trolled Max Verstappen on winning his “first championship” in Formula One following the 2021 controversy in Abu Dhabi.Verstappen won his first F1 world title last season in controversial fashion, which saw Merc’s Lewis Hamilton miss out on a record-breaking eighth.
      Merc fans have trolled Verstappen, congratulating him on his ‘first’ title win, not counting last season’s due to the controversyCredit: Rex
      Hamilton has congratulated Verstappen for his second F1 world title winCredit: Getty
      Former race director Michael Masi allowed five cars to unlap themselves after the safety car which enabled Verstappen, on fresh tyres, to overtake Hamilton on the last lap.
      Fast forward 18 races and Verstappen became a double F1 world champion, winning his 12th race of the season at Suzuka.
      The 25-year-old Dutchman defended his title before Merc and Hamilton could record a win this campaign.
      And Merc fans still haven’t let go of Abu Dhabi, bitterly congratulating Verstappen on his “first” world title.
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      One said: “Congratulations on ‘WINNING’ your 1st Championship.”
      Another fuming fan said: “Max Verstappen might just win his FIRST championship shortly and it will be well deserved since Ferrari fumbled their chance.
      “Here’s to hoping Merc come back stronger next szn.”
      Merc fans aren’t the only ones “hoping Merc come back stronger” next season… so is Hamilton.
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      Hamilton says he has “no doubts” Mercedes will “build a better car next year” that could challenge Red Bull and Ferrari.
      The Brit also issued a short but sweet congratulations to his rival.
      He said after the race: “Congrats to Max.
      “I think for us, we know what the problems are with this car.
      “I believe that we as a team, we’ve not gone from being world champions to not being able to build a good car.
      “I have no doubts we’ll build a better car next year.
      “Whether or not we rectify the issues from this year, we’ll find out when we get there.” More

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      Verstappen TWICE denied euphoria of winning title thanks to bungling F1 chiefs.. and his future might not be at Red Bull

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      FOR the second year in a row, Max Verstappen was crowned world champion in unusual circumstances.Last year, it was the controversial fall out from Michael Masi’s handling of the Abu Dhabi GP that left rival Lewis Hamilton feeling the outcome of the championship had been “manipulated”.
      Max Verstappen was named world champion on Sunday… but not as he crossed the lineCredit: AP
      Verstappen celebrates with a kiss from girlfriend Kelly PiquetCredit: Getty
      This time it was because the rules – somewhat ironically drawn up by Masi after the bungled Belgian GP in 2021 – were misunderstood.
      Not that he needs it – he flew home immediately after Japan – but Verstappen has been denied the euphoria of winning a title on both occasions.
      He has also perhaps missed out on some of the respect too, for this season he has been magnificent and duly deserves the title for some incredible performances.
      I am sure there will be more titles in the coming years too, for Red Bull together with their new engine development with some help from Honda, look in an incredibly strong place.
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      But whether Verstappen becomes a five-six-seven or, dare I say it, eight-time world champion, will depend on his relationship with Red Bull.
      For the time being, he’s clearly in the best team and as such, has signed a lengthy deal until 2028.
      But will he stay with them for the duration? I am not too sure.
      Let’s be honest, like in all sports, F1 is a fickle business and the best drivers want to be in the best team.
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      I recently met with a source close to the Verstappen camp who told me that while they were all very satisfied with life at Red Bull, there was a growing feeling that both Verstappen and his father were getting closer to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
      Maybe it is a coincidence. Wolff now lives in Monaco with his family, so too does Verstappen.
      Or could it be that both parties were both playing the long game?
      Wolff has hinted that there would be a new deal for Hamilton, and that makes a lot of sense.
      The Brit still has plenty to offer and there is no yet any indication they are able to produce a better car than Red Bull, so it would make sense for Verstappen too to stay where he is.
      However, if the momentum shifts and Mercedes are again the ones able to produce the quickest car on the grid, then that could test Verstappen’s loyalties to Red Bull and the terms of his long-term contract.

      TAKING THE MICK
      MICK SCHUMACHER’S days in F1 could be numbered after another poor weekend for the Haas team.
      The German – the son of seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher – had a crash during practice, which the team took a dim view of.
      He also endured a miserable race that saw him finish in 17th place and out of the points.
      I understand Haas are looking at options for replacing him next season and with only one other slot at Williams available – believed to be earmarked for American racer Logan Sargeant, then he could find himself without a drive for 2023.
      Mick Schumacher wrecked his Haas car in Japanese GP practiceCredit: Splash
      THAT’S RAD, CHAD
      CONGRATULATIONS to Jamie Chadwick, who has been confirmed as W Series champion for 2022.
      The Brit was sensational this season with five wins and one second-place in seven races.
      Unfortunately, the series will not be travelling to the US or Mexico GPs as planned due to funding but they do plan to return for the 2023 season.
      However, Chadwick, 24, is likely to move on from the championship and race in Indy Lights next season in the US.
      Jamie Chadwick celebrates after winning the W SeriesCredit: Reuters
      TOM ON TOP
      EXCELR8 Hyundai driver Tom Ingram has won the British Touring Car Championship for the first time after scoring two victories in a thrilling season finale at Brands Hatch.
      The 29-year-old has been in contention for the title in six successive seasons but has been the bridesmaid on each of the previous occasions.
      But he has now secured the most coveted prize in British motorsport with a top-class performance.

      HAND OF BLOOD
      LCR Honda rider Taka Nakagami will miss the Australian MotoGP as he recovers from a hand injury.
      Nakagami suffered the injury at Motorland Aragon and needed surgery to reconnect the tendons in his fingers.
      However, instead of resting, he flew to Japan to take part in his home race against medical advice.
      But in Japan, he found his gloves were filling with blood and soon realised he was unable to compete and had in fact done more damage.
      He then underwent more surgery and now faces some enforced rest while his body recovers.

      ALV ABOUT THAT
      DUCATI’S Alvaro Bautista has opened up a 56 point lead in the World Superbike series over current champion Toprak Razgatlioglu.
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      Bautista’s win in Portugal on Sunday puts him in the lead with only three rounds to go.
      Kawasaki’s Jonathan Rea was in third place and is also in third in the championship, some 82 points behind Bautista. More