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      F1 Mexican Grand Prix LIVE: Verstappen fastest in FP2, Hamilton third, qualifying TODAY – latest updates

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      LEWIS HAMILTON is going in all guns blazing this weekend in his pursuit for F1 Championship glory as the drivers make their way to Mexico. The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City will host proceedings over the next couple of days as Hamilton looks to chase down title rival Max Verstappen.

      TV/Live stream: Sky Sports F1
      FP3 – 5pm GMT
      Qualifying – 8pm
      Race – SUNDAY, 7pm

      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…

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      WOLFF ROARS
      Red Bull boss Christian Hornerblasted Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff for suggesting that Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen’s title battle could be determined by an unsporting crash in the same fashion as Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.
      “I was disappointed to read comments condoning this, we want a fair fight between now and the end of the season. Any driver would want to win it on track.
      “We are a racing team and aiming to win the constructor title and we also want to pull off the feat without a collision between our drivers.
      “Austin [a nail-biter won by Verstappen a fortnight ago to give him a 12-point lead] was a great race and we want a few more Austins before the end of the year. Nobody wants this decided in a gravel trap.”
      LEW LOSE
      MERCEDES DTM boss Hubert Haupt wants Max Verstappen to win the F1 World Championship over Lewis Hamilton.
      Verstappen, 24, leads the Brit by 12 points with just five races to go.
      Should Verstappen become champion, it’ll be Red Bulls’ first since 2013, and it would end Mercedes’ seven-year domination.
      And Haupt thinks ‘it’s time’ for someone other than Hamilton to be top of the F1 mountain.
      Haupt competes in the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) championship with three Mercedes cars for HRT, the team he owns.
      He told Sport1: “I think it’s time for someone other than (Lewis) Hamilton to become world champion.
      “In terms of Formula 1, it would be huge for Red Bull to win the title, so I hope Verstappen manages it.
      “There are still a few more circuits that suit Mercedes, but if Max scores well in the next two races, he will have the nerve to hang onto it.”
      DRIVER’S SKILL
      Red Bull chief Helmut Marko believes it will be down to the drivers in Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton to win the F1 world title in 2021, not the car.
      When asked if the car or the driver will decide the world title, Marko told Auto Motor and Sport: “The driver.
      “First of all, both teams have to be as flawless as possible – something neither Mercedes nor we have succeeded so far.
      “The mistakes in terms of strategy, preparation and pit stops have to be minimal, so the whole package has to be right.”
      HAMILTON PRESSURE
      Fernando Alonso reckons Lewis Hamilton will fold in the race for the F1 world title against Max Verstappen.
      Verstappen leads Hamilton by 12 points going into the Mexican GP this weekend and Alonso reckons Hamilton may not be able to handle the pressure.
      He said: “Do I think Lewis will succumb to the pressure? Yes, thanks to Max. 100 percent.
      “When Lewis only has to fight with his team-mate Valtteri Bottas for the title, everything is great. Now he feels some pressure and he gets into trouble.”
      HAMILTON’S PASSION
      Lewis Hamilton is ready to give it his all to catch up with rival Max Verstappen ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix.
      Verstappen leads seven-time world champion Hamilton by just 12 points with five races to go.
      And Hamilton said before the race: “We’re giving it absolutely everything we’ve got.
      “I think they’re [Red Bull] just quicker than us at the moment.
      “I’ve got no real concerns. [We’re] just chipping away at our setup and just trying to improve it. But we’re lacking downforce which is definitely, [or] probably why we have the half-second difference between us.
      “It’s looking good for us to be able to try and battle with these guys, but they’re definitely too quick for us at the moment.”
      FORCE FIELD
      Nico Rosberg was ready to make a shock return to the track last season as cover for Lewis Hamilton.
      But the former world champ has revealed the physical demands of driving an F1 car made it impossible for him to try.
      Rosberg told Jenson Button on his YouTube channel: “I would definitely have considered picking up the phone there.
      “But I physically would not have been able to. No way.
      “I would not manage more than two laps with that car. My arms would solidify rock solid, my fingers… I wouldn’t be able to hold the steering wheel anymore after two laps, I am sure.
      “Not to speak of the neck falling between my legs when I’m braking, because I wouldn’t be able to hold my head up!”
      GOOD MORNING RACE FANS
      Hope you enjoyed FP1 and FP2 yesterday – now it’s time to get down to the real business.
      Qualifying comes at you from Mexico tonight as Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton grapple for one of the most important poles of the season.
      SunSport will bring you all the drama as it happens, so stay tuned throughout the day before FP3 at 5pm.
      Lights out.
      FULL RESULTS FROM FP2
      Work to do for the world champions.

      FP2 IS DONE – VERSTAPPEN LEADS THE WAY
      He tops the session. Bottas in P2 and Hamilton in P3.
      It will be a long night in Brackley as they figure out the set up changes in the hope of making progress on Saturday.
      But Hamilton is not happy with the balance of his car. He’s 12 points behind Verstappen in the championship.
      He could be cut further adrift if Verstappen wins for a ninth time this season this weekend.

      HONDA POWER
      All good for the Japanese engine at high altitude

      FIRST SIGN OF REAL PACE AND RED BULL ARE AHEAD
      Not only ahead, but by a long way. Verstappen leads Bottas in Mexico.

      PROBLEM FOR RUSSELL
      He has a gearbox issue and is out of practice while his Williams is being dismantled.

      RED BULL P1 AND P2
      Good start from the Red Bull boys, some early quick runs.
      BUSY TRACK
      Lewis Hamilton is getting caught in traffic. Hardly surprising, traffic is terrible in Mexico City at times.

      GREEN LIGHT FOR FP2
      We are go in Mexico City for second practice. Expect more running in this second session, as the ever-popular long runs take place.

      FLAG IS OUT – FP1 IS OVER
      Bottas, Hamilton, Verstappen, Perez
      Looks a close race between the top two teams and their four drivers. All delicately poised.

      BOTTAS LEADS THE SESSION
      Hamilton second and Verstappen is third.

      HAMILTON WILL BE INVESTIGATED
      The world champ will be quizzed by race stewards in Mexico after failing to adhere to track limits.
      At the dusty Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Hamilton went straight on at Turn 1, causing him to run across the grass before rejoining the track at Turn 3.
      Hamilton said on the radio that he “couldn’t slow down there” but the stewards want a word.
      PEREZ IS BACK ON TRACK
      A new wing has been fitted on his Red Bull and is making up for lost time.

      30 MINUTES GONE IN THE SESSION
      Hamilton tops the timesheets. Verstappen is in second place.

      RED BULL HAVE A BIG JOB ON THEIR HANDS
      Perez is out of his car, the team are now repairing his car in time to get back out on track.
      Not what he needed in his home race.
      BIG DAMAGE FOR PEREZ
      The Mexican driver has done exactly the same as Leclerc. Coming through the stadium section, they lock up and go into the barriers.
      Slightly more damage for the Red Bull man, who is back in the pits.
      Virtual Safety Car deployed why the damage is cleared up.

      SPIN FOR LECLERC
      He’s lost control in the final sector and damaged the back of his Ferrari. He’s ok but that car will need fixing.
      INCREDIBLY DIRTY TRACK
      No race at this venue for two years due to the pandemic – and it shows. Plenty of dust being put into the air.
      No point looking at track times yet. Bottas and Hamilton currently P1 and P2.

      GREEN LIGHT IN MEXICO – FP1 IS GO
      The first practice session is underway in Mexico City. All eyes on the two championship contenders.

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      ‘I wouldn’t be able to hold wheel’ – Lewis Hamilton’s former team-mate Rosberg reveals why he couldn’t drive F1 car

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      NICO ROSBERG was ready to make a shock return to the track last season as cover for Lewis Hamilton.But the former world champ has revealed the physical demands of driving an F1 car made it impossible for him to try.
      Nico Rosberg retired from F1 in 2016Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Rosberg wanted to reverse his 2016 retirement and stand in for Hamilton after the Brit tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of last year’s Sakhir Grand Prix.
      The forces put through the body behind the wheel of an F1 car require extreme fitness to handle – something the German felt was beyond him after so long out of the sport.
      Rosberg told Jenson Button on his YouTube channel: “I would definitely have considered picking up the phone there.
      “But I physically would not have been able to. No way.
      “I would not manage more than two laps with that car. My arms would solidify rock solid, my fingers… I wouldn’t be able to hold the steering wheel anymore after two laps, I am sure.
      “Not to speak of the neck falling between my legs when I’m braking, because I wouldn’t be able to hold my head up!

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      “The G-forces on those things, the challenge and the development you need on all your specific muscles, your arm muscles…
      “It’s very on the edge. So physically, no chance.”
      Drivers regularly experience as much as 5G in braking or cornering during a race – making their bodies five times ‘heavier’ than they would normally be.
      They need incredibly strong legs, core and neck muscles to withstand such extreme forces.
      Drivers even find it impossible to breathe under such pressure as they battle to keep their eyes on the road.
      Watch Lewis Hamilton’s incredible reaction to meeting 104-year-old fan as he takes break from F1 title battle More

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      F1 Mexican Grand Prix practice LIVE: Stream, TV channel as Verstappen leads after Practice Two, Hamilton third – updates

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      LEWIS HAMILTON will be all guns blazing this weekend in his pursuit for F1 Championship glory as the drivers make their way to Mexico. The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City will host proceedings over the next couple of days as Hamilton looks to chase down title rival Max Verstappen.

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      TV/Live stream: Sky Sports F1
      Practice Three – SATURDAY, 5pm
      Qualifying – SATURDAY, 8pm
      Race – SUNDAY, 7pm

      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      FULL RESULTS FROM FP2
      Work to do for the world champions.

      FP2 IS DONE – VERSTAPPEN LEADS THE WAY
      He tops the session. Bottas in P2 and Hamilton in P3.
      It will be a long night in Brackley as they figure out the set up changes in the hope of making progress on Saturday.
      But Hamilton is not happy with the balance of his car. He’s 12 points behind Verstappen in the championship.
      He could be cut further adrift if Verstappen wins for a ninth time this season this weekend.

      HONDA POWER
      All good for the Japanese engine at high altitude

      FIRST SIGN OF REAL PACE AND RED BULL ARE AHEAD
      Not only ahead, but by a long way. Verstappen leads Bottas in Mexico.

      PROBLEM FOR RUSSELL
      He has a gearbox issue and is out of practice while his Williams is being dismantled.

      RED BULL P1 AND P2
      Good start from the Red Bull boys, some early quick runs.
      BUSY TRACK
      Lewis Hamilton is getting caught in traffic. Hardly surprising, traffic is terrible in Mexico City at times.

      GREEN LIGHT FOR FP2
      We are go in Mexico City for second practice. Expect more running in this second session, as the ever-popular long runs take place.

      FLAG IS OUT – FP1 IS OVER
      Bottas, Hamilton, Verstappen, Perez
      Looks a close race between the top two teams and their four drivers. All delicately poised.

      BOTTAS LEADS THE SESSION
      Hamilton second and Verstappen is third.

      HAMILTON WILL BE INVESTIGATED
      The world champ will be quizzed by race stewards in Mexico after failing to adhere to track limits.
      At the dusty Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Hamilton went straight on at Turn 1, causing him to run across the grass before rejoining the track at Turn 3.
      Hamilton said on the radio that he “couldn’t slow down there” but the stewards want a word.
      PEREZ IS BACK ON TRACK
      A new wing has been fitted on his Red Bull and is making up for lost time.

      30 MINUTES GONE IN THE SESSION
      Hamilton tops the timesheets. Verstappen is in second place.

      RED BULL HAVE A BIG JOB ON THEIR HANDS
      Perez is out of his car, the team are now repairing his car in time to get back out on track.
      Not what he needed in his home race.
      BIG DAMAGE FOR PEREZ
      The Mexican driver has done exactly the same as Leclerc. Coming through the stadium section, they lock up and go into the barriers.
      Slightly more damage for the Red Bull man, who is back in the pits.
      Virtual Safety Car deployed why the damage is cleared up.

      SPIN FOR LECLERC
      He’s lost control in the final sector and damaged the back of his Ferrari. He’s ok but that car will need fixing.
      INCREDIBLY DIRTY TRACK
      No race at this venue for two years due to the pandemic – and it shows. Plenty of dust being put into the air.
      No point looking at track times yet. Bottas and Hamilton currently P1 and P2.

      GREEN LIGHT IN MEXICO – FP1 IS GO
      The first practice session is underway in Mexico City. All eyes on the two championship contenders.

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      McLaren Racing victim of cyber attack with ‘several key employees’ targeted

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      MCLAREN was the subject to large a cyber attack last year with a number of ‘key employees’ targeted.The hack came via email with those responsible gaining access to confidential information.
      A company affiliated with McLaren revealed the cyber attack occurred via emailCredit: AFP
      Hackers got access to some McLaren confidential informationCredit: AFP
      Several staff members fell victim to the scam despite the company being well aware of such risks.
      Eloy Avila, a representative of Darktrace, the company that protects McLaren, told ESPN: “McLaren Racing was attacked by cybercriminals, we already know that F1 is one of the most innovative sports and yet they are attacked.
      “The method is very common, in this case, several key employees, with access to highly confidential and valuable information, were attacked with an email posing as a very reliable supplier of the brand.
      “During an average week more than 34,600 malicious e-mails directed at McLaren are detected and neutralized.”
      Avila added: “Not only e-mail is being protected, but the mobile networks on race day.
      “Those networks that send the information of the vehicles when they are running, in the race, and that may be important for competitors, these sensors are controlling and reviewing what happens in the car.”

      High-flying McLaren go into this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix in ding-dong battle with Ferrari for third spot in the constructors championship.
      With five races remaining, the Woking-based team are just 3.5 points ahead.
      And Brit racer Lando Norris has admitted the fight with Ferrari is getting “tense”.
      He said: “We are motivated, we’re working hard but I think it’s tough.
      “It’s hard to know where you’re going to be every weekend because it’s always generally been very close, even since the beginning of the season.
      “It’s not like we’ve run away with it at any point. It’s been close since the beginning of the season, but it’s tense.
      “We’re working hard, everyone back in the factory is working hard to try and find these last little things we need for the rest of the season.” More

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      Miami GP bosses receive 275,000 ticket requests for next year’s race after Lewis Hamilton’s fight with Max Verstappen

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      MIAMI GP bosses say they have received 275,000 ticket requests for next year’s race, as F1 looks to have cracked America.The sport has historically struggled to break the US market, but a combination of Lewis Hamilton’s fight with Max Verstappen, improved social media and a hit TV series, has boosted its appeal.
      Verstappen won the US GP in AustinCredit: REUTERS
      Verstappen and Hamilton have got up close and personal on the track a number of times this seasonCredit: REUTERS
      This year’s US GP in Austin was a hit and had a record three-day crowd of 400,000 spectators, with a Sunday attendance of 140,000.
      And now the second race in the US in Miami, which debuts in 2022, also looks to be a sell-out.
      Greg Maffei, president and CEO of F1 owners Liberty Media, said: “We are excited to have our second race in the U.S. and welcome the Miami GP in May.
      “Demand is high: 275,000 people pre-registered to purchase tickets as compared to a planned capacity of around 80,000.”
      The Formula One Group have also reported a $68 million profit in the third quarter, compared to a $115 million loss in the same period in 2020.
      “Formula One is firing on all cylinders and producing results on the track, for our fans and partners and our investors,” said chief executive Stefano Domenicali.

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      “We already know that the 2021 season will be one for the ages, with a fierce battle up and down the grid and among the constructors.
      “We have seen the results with fans at the track and with engagement across all platforms.”
      Seven-time F1 champion Hamilton trails title rival Verstappen by 12 points with five races to go.
      If Verstappen holds his nerve in the final stretch of the season, the brand new Miami track could welcome a new champion.
      Max Verstappen and the Red Bull team celebrate the F1 win in the USA More

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      Lewis Hamilton expecting to avoid engine penalty in huge boost to chances of retaining F1 title

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      LEWIS HAMILTON expects to finish the season without facing further engine penalties.It was feared that the Mercedes ace would need to take an extra internal combustion engine [ICE] some time during the final five races, which would trigger at least a five-place grid drop in races.
      F1 champ Lewis Hamilton believes his engine can last for the rest of the seasonCredit: Getty
      Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton has already used one more internal combustion engine than the three allowed over a campaignCredit: Splash
      Merc boss Toto Wolff said at the US GP that the team were weighing up whether to use a new unit and take the penalties on the chin, instead of worrying about a mechanical breakdown.
      But Hamilton, who has already used one extra ICE than the three allocated, said ahead of this weekend’s Mexican GP he does not expect to require a new engine, in what would be a huge boost to the Brit’s chances of retaining the F1 title.
      He said: “I believe our engines are strong and as far as I am aware we’re hopefully going to the end.
      “That’s not going to be an issue for us hopefully.”
      Mercedes also supplies McLaren, Aston Martin and Williams with power units and of those six drivers, only Lando Norris and Lance Stroll have not taken penalties.
      And Norris admits he does not yet know if he will escape needing a new one before the season is over.
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      He added: “It is [a discussion] that is always ongoing. Almost all the drivers have taken one.
      “It is a conversation going on in our team and with Mercedes about what is best for the end of the season.
      “Whether we do or do not or take one later in the year has yet to be decided.
      “It will be a discussion that goes on until the end of the season.”
      Meanwhile, seven-time F1 king Hamilton wants a fair fight with Red Bull’s Championship leader Max Verstappen, even if it costs him his title.
      The pair have clashed at Silverstone and Monza this season. amid claims they have taken their rivalry too far.
      And Hamilton does not want any further shunts which could wreck either man’s championship dreams.
      He said: “We have never won a championship in that way. I have never won a championship in that way and I wouldn’t want to.
      “I am here to win in the right way — and that is through sheer skill, determination and hard work.
      Lewis Hamilton enjoys action packed break as F1 ace gets pelted by bugs in jeep in wild ride More

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      Sergio Perez admits he could give up home win at Mexican GP to extend Max Verstappen’s lead over Lewis Hamilton

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      SERGIO PEREZ has not ruled out giving up victory at his home Grand Prix in Mexico this weekend to help his teammate Max Verstappen’s world title challenge.The Red Bull driver, who has won just two Formula 1 races in his career so far, currently sits fourth in the drivers’ standings behind Verstappen, defending champion Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.
      Perez is hoping to win his home Grand Prix in Mexico this weekendCredit: EPA
      But he could be forced to give up the victory for the benefit of Verstappen’s title challengeCredit: AP
      But the real battle for the title is between Perez’s Red Bull partner Verstappen and Mercedes’ Hamilton, with the pair separated by just 12 points heading into the final five races of the season.
      And while the Mexican is incredibly keen to secure victory in front of his home fans, he refuses to rule out any race-altering decisions being made on the track.
      Speaking ahead of the weekend’s action, he said: “I think it will be a great problem to have from my side, you know?
      “It always depends on the situation, because most of the decisions are normally taken during the race, during the heat of the event, so I think that depending on the circumstances, we’ll see.
      “But I’m pretty sure the whole team, Red Bull, everyone, wants me to win this weekend.
      “I think everyone is so enthusiastic, everyone at my team, the crowd – it’s a very special venue for us.

      “We’ll see through the race, but I’m pretty sure that everyone in this team… if there’s a race they want me to win, it’s this one. So I’m sure I’ll have full support from everyone in my team.”
      Last time out at the United States GP in Austin, Verstappen was able to hold off a late charge from Hamilton to increase his lead in the championship battle.
      The Dutchman is looking to end Hamilton’s four-year reign at the top of the sport, an era of dominance which stretches back to Nico Rosberg’s world title triumph in 2016.
      But earlier this week Hamilton ruled out the possibility of dirty tactics coming into play to decide the destination of the drivers’ championship.
      When asked if those sort of strategies could be used, the seven-time champion said: “We have never won a championship in that way. I have never won a championship in that way and I wouldn’t want to.

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      “I am here to win in the right way — and that is through sheer skill, determination and hard work.
      “You know how I have won my world championships in the past and I have always wanted to win it in the right way.
      “And if you are going to lose it, you lose it in the right way also, with dignity, giving it your all and doing things the right way. If it doesn’t work out, you live to fight another day.” More

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      Saudi GP bosses insist race track will be ready in time for inaugural F1 race despite it looking like building site

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      SAUDI GP bosses are adamant their new race track will be ready in time for next month’s inaugural F1 race – despite it looking like a building site.Images have been posted on social media of the construction work at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit showing a huge amount of work still to be done.
      Unfinished buildings at the Saudi Grand Prix track
      The race is scheduled for December 5th but in some sections of the track the asphalt has yet to be laid.
      The photos show the main grandstand that will house the pits looking like a shell of a structure.
      However, Martin Whitaker, CEO of the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Pri,x has told SunSport the work will be done in time.
      He said: “Given that the Jeddah Corniche Circuit is being built in record time, it was always the case that timings would be tight.
      “But construction remains on schedule and will be completed on time ahead of F1’s arrival next month.”
      The race was only confirmed by F1 chiefs 12 months ago and a staggering amount has gone on to get the circuit built in time.

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      Footage on the F1 website shows there is still much work to be done
      Builders face a race against time to get the track ready
      The track has been co-designed by the Tilke company, in conjunction with F1’s own motorsports team to create a flowing fast track.
      Bosses say the circuit will be the second fastest on the F1 calendar, behind Monza, however, like other races in the Middle East, it will also be a night race under the floodlights.
      An F1 spokesman added: “We are looking forward to being in Jeddah in a few weeks’ time for the inaugural race in Saudi and know the team are working hard to deliver an incredible race.”
      Red Bull are expected to be the first team to make a check on the new circuit and are understood to be planning a test event in Saudi Arabia next week.
      ABOUT THE TRACK

      Name: Jeddah Corniche Circuit
      Number of Laps: 50
      Corners: 27
      Average speed: 250kmh (155mph)
      Circuit Length: 6.174km (3.84 miles)
      Race Distance: 308.45 km (191.7 miles)

      Drone shot showing the half-built Jeddah Corniche Circuit
      Drone shot showing the Jeddah Corniche Circuit and it’s proximity to the sea More