Birmingham, July 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Formula One rookie Arvid Lindblad believes Indian cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is part of a new wave of teenage stars redefining elite sport, saying advances in technology and access to better information are enabling athletes to reach the highest level at increasingly younger ages.

The Racing Bulls driver shared his thoughts during the host broadcast of the first ODI between England and India at Edgbaston, where Shubman Gill's side secured a six-wicket victory to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

At just 18, Lindblad belongs to the same generation of emerging sporting talents as Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, Spain football sensation Lamine Yamal, and 15-year-old Sooryavanshi, whose meteoric rise has made him India's youngest international cricketer after a breakthrough IPL season.

Asked why Formula One is seeing more teenagers reach the grid, Lindblad said the trend extends far beyond motorsport.

"I think this is happening in all sports. The technology is improving around it. We get better information from an earlier age, and that is why there are really good youngsters who are doing really well,” Arvid said.

The British driver pointed to Sooryavanshi as an example of how rapidly young athletes are making an impact on the international stage. "This happens in all sports, even in cricket, with Vaibhav (Sooryavanshi) doing really well. He is so young. I think this is just the nature of sport,” he added.

Lindblad, who has Indian ancestry through his maternal grandparents, also spoke warmly about his connection to the country during the broadcast with Ravi Shastri and Ian Ward. "My Nana and Nani (maternal grandparents) are Punjabi. I am very connected to my Indian roots and love Indian food, particularly that cooked by my Nani,” he expressed.

The teenager also recalled visiting Mumbai late last year, where he experienced cricket firsthand while spending time with young players at the iconic Azad Maidan. "I enjoyed my time in Mumbai playing cricket with the kids at Azad Maidan. It was a wonderful experience."

Reflecting on his own journey, Lindblad admitted that making his Formula One debut at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne earlier this season was an emotional milestone after years of chasing the dream. "All athletes, from an early age, have a dream of reaching the top. You always remain nervous, never really knowing if it's going to come true. For me, this year in Melbourne, the fact that this was happening to me for real was special. I got a little bit emotional before it all,” he said.

He also described his first home Grand Prix as a Formula One driver at Silverstone as another unforgettable moment. "I had first been to Silverstone with my father when I was just five years old. Going there this year, thirteen years on, becoming an F1 race driver was really special to me, especially in front of the entire home support,” he stated.

During the recent British Grand Prix weekend, Lindblad was seen sharing a light-hearted exchange in the paddock with India captain Shubman Gill, with both tracing their family roots to Punjab.

The Racing Bulls rookie ended the conversation on a humorous note by revealing that, despite racing some of the fastest cars in the world, he is still working towards getting his road licence. "It is a bit sad that I still have not got my driver's licence yet. It was funny for a bit, but now it is just getting a bit silly. I had my first driving lesson yesterday, so I need to get it soon."

Source: IANS

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Mattighofen, July 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) KTM Factory Racing has secured the services of Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio on multi-year contracts beginning in the 2027 MotoGP season, the manufacturer announced on Sunday.

The double signing shows KTM's plan to build a strong rider lineup for the future. Both racers come after proving themselves as championship contenders.

Marquez, 30, will leave Gresini Racing after four seasons. He will return to a factory team for the first time since his rookie season with Honda Racing Corporation in 2020. The Spaniard finished second in the 2025 MotoGP championship and has regained his status as one of the sport's top riders.

KTM Motorsports Director Pit Beirer believes Marquez's skills make him a great match for the Austrian brand. "Alex brings not only excellent talent and race knowledge but also determination and a winning attitude that aligns perfectly with our values," Beirer said in a statement.

Di Giannantonio will join KTM after leaving the VR46 Racing Team at the end of the 2026 season. The 27-year-old, who joined VR46 in 2024, currently ranks third in the MotoGP Championship standings and achieved the second Grand Prix win of his career in Barcelona earlier this season.

Beirer praised the Italian's consistency and growth into one of the championship's top contenders. "Fabio has clearly improved to become one of the reliable front-runners in MotoGP. We cannot doubt his speed and commitment to delivering the best performance," Beirer said.

By signing Marquez and Di Giannantonio, KTM has secured two experienced race winners who are entering their prime. The manufacturer aims to boost its chances for MotoGP success starting from the 2027 season.

Source: IANS

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Northamptonshire, July 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) Charles Leclerc claimed a dramatic victory at the British Grand Prix on Sunday, overcoming late-race chaos at Silverstone as Kimi Antonelli saw a potential win slip away because of a car issue and Max Verstappen crashed out to trigger a late Safety Car.

Leclerc made a fast start from the grid. The Ferrari driver, along with teammate Lewis Hamilton, both passed Antonelli in the opening laps. The Monegasque found a comfortable rhythm at the front, giving up the lead only when he went into the pits for his scheduled stop.

This briefly gave the lead to Antonelli, who extended his opening stint until Lap 36 before making his pit stop. The young Mercedes driver emerged eager to catch Leclerc, but his progress halted on Lap 41 due to a mechanical problem that the team later identified as a suspected failure of the left-front wheel shield.

Antonelli had to make two more pit stops and rejoined the race well down the order. His tough afternoon worsened with a five-second penalty for exceeding track limits, effectively ending any chance of a podium finish.

The race took another dramatic turn on Lap 48 when Verstappen spun into the gravel trap, bringing out the Safety Car. With no time left for racing to resume, the field finished behind the Safety Car, allowing Leclerc to cruise to his ninth Formula One victory.

George Russell took advantage of the late neutralization by staying out while several rivals pitted, moving the Mercedes driver up to second place. Hamilton secured third place for Ferrari, though the seven-time world champion faces a post-race investigation for a possible yellow-flag violation.

Home favourite Lando Norris finished fourth for McLaren, while Isack Hadjar took fifth for Red Bull. The Racing Bulls pair of Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad finished sixth and seventh, respectively. Gabriel Bortoleto earned valuable points for Audi in eighth. Alpine drivers Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly completed the top 10.

It was a frustrating afternoon for Oscar Piastri, whose race fell apart after an opening-lap pit stop for damage, leaving him in 11th. Carlos Sainz Jr. finished 12th for Williams after a promising start, followed by Haas drivers Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon in 13th and 14th.

Sergio Pérez took 15th for Cadillac, while Antonelli was ultimately classified 16th after his time penalty. Cadillac's Valtteri Bottas finished ahead of Aston Martin teammates Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.

Three drivers did not finish the race. Verstappen retired after his crash, Alexander Albon pulled out after continuing following early contact with Bearman, and Audi's Nico Hülkenberg stopped due to a mechanical issue.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) India's Maini brothers enjoyed a memorable weekend in European motorsport, with Kush Maini securing a podium finish in the FIA Formula 2 Feature Race at Silverstone while elder brother Arjun Maini claimed his first podium of the 2026 DTM season at Germany's Norisring.

Driving for ART Grand Prix, Kush qualified third for the Formula 2 Feature Race, which placed him eighth on the grid for Saturday's Sprint Race under the reverse-grid format. He produced an impressive drive in the sprint, gaining four places to finish fourth.

The 25-year-old carried that momentum into Sunday's Feature Race. Starting from third, Kush made a brilliant getaway to take the lead before the opening corner and controlled the race for a significant period with strong pace and tyre management.

Following his mandatory pit stop, the Indian driver was involved in an intense battle with the Formula 2 championship leader before eventually crossing the line in third to claim his second podium of the 2026 season.

The result lifts Kush to sixth in the Formula 2 Drivers' Championship standings, leaving him just six points adrift of the top five heading into the second half of the campaign.

"Really happy with how the weekend has gone. Missed out on a double podium weekend by a small margin, but big points going into the second half of the season. Big thanks for all the support from everyone back home," said Kush after the race.

Meanwhile, elder brother Arjun Maini also enjoyed a successful weekend at the Norisring circuit in the DTM Championship.

Racing in the Ford Mustang GT3, Arjun qualified third for both races. He converted his strong starting position into his first podium finish of the season with third place in Race 1 on Saturday.

The Indian driver followed it up with a fourth-place finish in Sunday's rain-affected Race 2, which was interrupted by a red flag. Despite carrying an additional 5kg success ballast following his podium on Saturday, Arjun maintained competitive pace throughout the race to narrowly miss another podium finish.

Source: IANS

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Shanghai, July 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) Lucas di Grassi ended a four-year Formula E winless streak with a stunning victory in the second race of the 2025-26 Shanghai E-Prix double-header on Sunday, while Pascal Wehrlein moved into the championship lead after rival Mitch Evans failed to start.

Di Grassi charged from 19th on the grid to claim his first Formula E victory since London in 2022 and the first for Lola Yamaha since the manufacturer took over the Abt Cupra team's license in 2024.

Rain fell throughout the day at the Shanghai International Circuit before easing shortly before the start, prompting di Grassi and eventual runner-up Jean-Eric Vergne to gamble on dry setups while many of their rivals opted for wet configurations, reports Xinhua.

The strategy initially appeared risky as Di Grassi struggled in the early laps, conserving energy while running outside the points. As the circuit dried, however, the Brazilian began carving through the field and climbed to third before a full-course yellow on lap 24.

When racing resumed one lap later, Di Grassi was the only driver among the frontrunners with an unused Attack Mode. He activated the extra power to sweep past Vergne at the first corner of the final lap to secure victory, extending his record as Formula E's oldest race winner.

"We took the right risks today. In my position, where we were, we had to take those risks, and I'm so glad we managed to make it," said di Grassi, who is due to retire from Formula E at the end of the 2025-26 season.

"It was a great fight that we had, a great battle with Joel at the end, and I'm so happy for everybody.

"We've been working flat out. It's not always easy, but moments like this are why we do all of this," concluded the Brazilian, whose Lola Yamaha team had previously not finished higher than seventh this season.

Vergne completed an equally impressive recovery from 18th on the grid to finish second, while rookie Joel Eriksson claimed the first podium of his Formula E career in third after leading the closing stages before being overhauled on the final lap.

Wehrlein finished fourth after leading the early laps but faded as the drying conditions increasingly favoured drivers on dry setups. Nevertheless, the result moved the Porsche driver into the championship lead after Evans was unable to take the start because of a technical issue with the spec DC/DC inverter.

The non-finish leaves Evans nine points behind Wehrlein's total of 141 with three races remaining. Reigning champion Oliver Rowland, who finished the race in eighth, moves up to third on 114 points.

In the teams' championship, Jaguar still leads with 243 points despite not scoring, but Porsche has closed to within six points of the British marque.

Formula E now stays in Asia for a double-header around the streets of Tokyo on July 25-26.

Source: IANS

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Northamptonshire, July 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Teenager Kimi Antonelli produced another statement drive to win a dramatic sprint race at the British Grand Prix on Saturday, overtaking Lewis Hamilton before pulling clear to strengthen his grip on the Formula One drivers' championship, here at the Silverstone.

The 19-year-old Italian kept his cool during a hectic start at Silverstone. He used a smart burst of speed to pass Hamilton's Ferrari on the Hangar Straight on lap eight. After carefully saving his battery charge, Antonelli made his move with precision and never looked back. He secured victory and widened his championship lead to 43 points over Mercedes teammate George Russell.

While Antonelli focused on catching Hamilton, the fight behind them delivered plenty of early excitement. McLaren's Lando Norris, Mercedes' George Russell, and Red Bull's Max Verstappen swapped positions multiple times during the opening laps. Starting in sixth, Norris had a great start and climbed to fourth on the first lap before passing Russell on lap two. The trio continued to change places until Norris finally settled into third and began to pull away from the pack.

Russell eventually regained the upper hand over Verstappen on lap nine. Verstappen soon faced more pressure from Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who passed the Red Bull a lap later to take fifth place. Unable to respond, Verstappen fell further behind but managed to defend sixth from McLaren's Oscar Piastri in the closing laps.

Further back, Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson withstood late pressure from Red Bull's Isack Hadjar to secure the final points position.

Antonelli's calm victory marked another highlight in his impressive debut season. The Mercedes driver showed maturity beyond his years by beating seven-time world champion Hamilton, making another significant move toward his first Formula One title.

Qualifying for the British Grand Prix will start at 7:30 PM IST.

Source: IANS

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Shanghai, July 3 (SocialNews.XYZ) Formula E's largest calendar to date is driven by a desire to showcase the full potential of its new Gen4 cars, with series co-founder Alberto Longo insisting the championship remains committed to racing in city centres despite a growing number of permanent circuits.

The 2026-27 season will feature a record 21 races across 13 venues, with the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Britain's Brands Hatch, and Zandvoort in the Netherlands all joining the schedule, alongside the introduction of the new "E-Prix Unleashed" sprint format during double-header weekends.

Longo said having a second event in the United States was a key objective, with Austin emerging from several candidates because of its suitability for the new generation of cars, reports Xinhua.

"Being for a second time in the U.S. was such a key priority, top priority for Formula E," Longo told Xinhua before the Shanghai E-Prix. "We had three or four different tracks that we would have loved to be on, and I had talks with all of them. But in the end, we thought COTA would showcase the best performance out of our cars, and that was absolutely key for us."

A similar process led to the inclusion of Zandvoort, which is set to drop off the Formula 1 calendar after 2026. "We went and talked to many different permanent tracks, and Zandvoort won. They have had excellent races in F1 for many years. We have [Dutch driver] Nyck de Vries [in Formula E], who is a local hero. Our partner Liberty Global has a big presence in Amsterdam, so it was a good market."

Brands Hatch will replace London's ExCeL Circuit as Formula E's British home, a move Longo attributed to the increased size and performance of the Gen4 machinery. "Unfortunately, we were not able to continue at ExCeL. The track was too tight for the Gen4 cars, and it wouldn't allow us to showcase the real performance of those cars," he said.

Longo added that organisers intend to adapt the historic Kent circuit rather than simply use its existing layout.

"We're optimising it. Let's put it this way," he said. "We're data-driven people. If the simulations we do tell us that a corner has to go a little bit like this or like that to better showcase our technology or our cars, we do it."

STREET RACING REMAINS SERIES ETHOS

The addition of more permanent venues has prompted questions over whether Formula E is moving away from the street circuit identity on which it was founded in 2014, reports Xinhua.

Longo dismissed that suggestion. "Zero change," he said. "Our DNA is to be racing in the heart of the biggest cities of the world. That's what we are."

Longo added that market selection comes first, with permanent circuits used when suitable street layouts are unavailable or unable to display the capabilities of the latest cars. "Once we decide on the markets that we want to be racing at, then we look for tracks in the city centre, street tracks. If we don't find them, we go to a permanent track. If we find [a street track], but it will not showcase the best of the cars, we will go to a permanent track as well."

Longo said fan entertainment remains the overriding priority.

"We cannot forget that the most important thing for us is our fans, and showcasing the technology of these cars, the speed of these cars, and the show, the spectacle they are creating. This is absolutely paramount for us.

"We don't want to become a boring championship. We will still be the most fun championship in the world to watch."

DRIVERS BACK BALANCE IN NEW CALENDAR

Jaguar TCS Racing's Mitch Evans welcomed the expanded calendar, although the New Zealander admitted he still prefers street circuits. "The calendar looks great," Evans said. "I actually prefer more street tracks; I just love the challenge of a street track. But I think as the cars are getting faster, with Gen4, you need a good balance on the calendar between permanent facilities and street tracks."

DS Penske driver Jean-Eric Vergne shared a similar view, saying the larger and more powerful Gen4 cars will inevitably require more space.

"I prefer the street tracks, but the problem is the Formula E street tracks are too small for the new cars," the two-time champion said. "If we have more big tracks like Monaco, Singapore, and Baku in F1, it would be nice. But with smaller ones, I feel it's going to be too tight."

Vergne nevertheless described the changes as evidence of Formula E's continued growth. "I love the car. The calendar looks great as well. More races, new venues, nice ones," he said. "It's all very positive. It really shows that FE is going in a different league, especially with the car. So I'm happy with that."

Source: IANS

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Shizuoka, June 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Former MotoGP world champion Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins will leave Yamaha at the end of the 2026 MotoGP season, the Japanese manufacturer announced on Tuesday.

Quartararo was with Yamaha from 2019, winning the pinnacle of motorcycle racing in 2021 as he enjoyed his most fruitful years with the Iwata-based manufacturer, including 11 wins and 32 podiums. The Frenchman was one of the sport's most loved figures in his eight years at the team, widely adored for his infectious enthusiasm, candid personality and commitment on and off the bike. Rins was recruited by Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP for the 2024 season, returning from a spell with Honda where he was sidelined with a crash during his debut campaign with the manufacturer.

The Spaniard’s experience and race-winning pedigree offered a potential injection of new ideas into the YZR-M1 machine as it battled with its competitors.

However, Yamaha has struggled in recent years to compete on the regular, with Quartararo and Rins only having one podium between them as a pairing this season. That result belonged to Quartararo at last year's Spanish Grand Prix, although the 26-year-old has since suffered a winless run. The 2026 season has been a struggle, with Yamaha rooted near the foot of the constructors’ championship on just 64 points and Quartararo and Rins 15th and 17th respectively in the riders’ standings. Despite announcing their departures, Yamaha confirmed both riders would give their maximum effort to achieve the best possible results up to the conclusion of the 2026 season.

Paolo Pavesio, Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director, paid tribute to both Quartararo and Rins for their efforts.

"Fabio and Álex have both played an important role in Yamaha's MotoGP project, and we are very grateful for their efforts, dedication, and collaboration over the years.

"Fabio's journey with Yamaha spans eight years, during which we have shared both great successes and difficult moments. Together, we have grown, celebrated achievements that have shaped our story, and faced challenges that have strengthened us. Beyond the results, it is this journey that defines our relationship, and in the end, Fabio will always remain one of the true legends of Yamaha MotoGP.

"Since joining Yamaha in 2024, Álex has brought valuable experience, meaningful insight, and unwavering commitment, playing an important role in the YZR-M1 project's development.

"While saying goodbye is never easy after years together, we remain fully focused on working as a team to achieve the best possible results until the end of the season."

Source: IANS

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Bologna, June 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) Ducati ushered in a new era on Wednesday by signing rising Spanish star Pedro Acosta for the 2027 and 2028 MotoGP seasons, just hours after confirming that two-time World Champion Francesco Bagnaia will leave the factory team at the end of 2026.

The 22-year-old Acosta, considered one of MotoGP’s top talents, will team up with seven-time World Champion Marc Marquez in what could be one of the sport’s strongest rider line-ups. Marquez recently renewed his contract with Ducati until 2028.

Acosta joins Ducati after a quick ascent through the ranks. He won the Moto3 and Moto2 world titles within three years of his championship debut and made an immediate impression in MotoGP. He earned Rookie of the Year honours in 2024 and finished fourth overall with KTM in 2025, achieving 13 podium finishes. He is currently sixth in the championship standings, 48 points behind leader Marco Bezzecchi.

This announcement also marks the end of an impressive eight-year partnership between Ducati and Bagnaia. Since he joined the team as a rookie in 2019, the Italian has become Ducati’s most successful rider. He has tallied 31 wins, 62 podiums, and 28 pole positions. He brought Ducati's first riders’ championship in 15 years by winning the MotoGP title in 2022.

Bagnaia's last race for Ducati will be at the Valencia Grand Prix from November 27 to 29. Reflecting on his departure, Bagnaia shared on Instagram, “We have grown together. We’ve faced every kind of situation without ever giving up, always encouraging each other to do our best. I feel the need to start fresh with a new challenge, but I’ll never forget what we’ve accomplished together. You’re part of me, and you always will be.”

Affectionately known as “Pecco”, Bagnaia has faced challenges since Marquez joined Ducati’s factory team in 2025. While Marquez secured a seventh world title last season, Bagnaia fell to fifth in the standings, finishing 257 points behind his teammate, despite previously carrying Ducati’s title hopes.

Ducati Motor Holding CEO Claudio Domenicali praised the departing Italian, emphasising his influence beyond just numbers. “Sporting results show only part of Pecco's worth. His clean and elegant riding style (I like to call him 'Il Pinturicchio' — the little painter), along with his fairness on track and notable determination when overtaking, made Ducatisti love him. Moreover, he is a great professional and an even better person off the track.”

Bagnaia heads into this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix feeling more confident after winning his first race of the season in the Czech Grand Prix sprint. However, he narrowly missed a clean sweep after being overtaken late in Sunday’s race by Marquez and pole-sitter Ai Ogura, ultimately finishing third despite leading for several laps.

Source: IANS

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Bologna, June 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Reigning MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez has committed his future to Ducati after signing a contract extension that will keep him with the Italian manufacturer until the end of the 2028 season, the team announced on Tuesday.

The 33-year-old Spaniard joined the Borgo Panigale-based outfit in 2024 and, the following year, celebrated a renaissance when winning the Japanese Grand Prix, secured his seventh world crown and the first since 2019. His signing reaffirms Ducati’s confidence in one of the greats even though the start to the current season has been trying for Márquez. After initially struggling with the long term effects of several injuries in his 2026 campaign, Márquez has, once again, shown he possesses all of the hallmarks of a champion.

Less than a month after undergoing surgery on both his shoulder and left foot he marked the 100th win of his career in all categories with an utterly commanding performance in the Hungarian Grand Prix in Balaton Park earlier this month.

That form was carried over to the following weekend’s Czech Grand Prix which he duly won. “I am red. I am super happy with this new agreement with the Ducati Lenovo Team and to continue being part of this family. “With this renewal they have once again reaffirmed this commitment, respecting my times and giving me the peace of mind I needed to make the right decision,” Márquez said in a statement.

Márquez, who was 40 points adrift of championship leader Marco Bezzecchi before this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, admitted that he continues to race because he “loves this sport”.

“I continue to compete because I love this sport and I want to achieve even more ambitious goals,” he said. “I’m convinced this is the right place to do it. As long as I’m here, I’ll give my all to paint the future red.”

Source: IANS

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Chennai, June 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Emmanuel brothers from Chennai, Johann and Geoffrey, came up with stunning displays over the weekend in the Yamaha R7 Cup run along with the European Superbike Championship (ESBK) and the BRICS Championship, respectively.

Johann Emmanuel, astride the Yamaha R7 and nursing a fractured wrist he had suffered during training, became the first Indian to score points with a seventh-place finish in the European Superbike Championship (ESBK) at Estoril, Portugal, marking a significant milestone for Indian motorcycle racing.

The teenager, who won the 2025 Qatar Championship and was crowned the 2025 KTM Cup Season 3 Pro Champion in India, is competing in the Yamaha R7 Cup, a one-make series that runs alongside the ESBK.

After a promising opening round in which he was running in podium positions before crashes ended both races, Johann returned in stronger form at the Circuito do Estoril in Portugal.

Starting 10th on the grid for Race 2, he steadily worked his way through the field, clocking fast and consistent lap times throughout the race.

His efforts were rewarded with a seventh-place

finish, securing his first points in European competition and making him the first Indian rider to score points in the European Superbike Championship.

Emmanuel also demonstrated impressive pace by setting the third-fastest lap of the race with a time of 1:49.875. His lap was quicker than the fastest lap recorded by race winner Daniel Ocete of Spain, who posted a 1:49.910.

Meanwhile, in Buriram, Thailand, 21-year-old Geoffrey Emmanuel secured a spectacular second-place finish for Gusto Racing at the Chang International Circuit during the latest round of the BRIC (Buriram United International Circuit) Championship last weekend.

Facing down a highly competitive grid on a brand-new track, Emmanuel delivered a fierce, edge-of-your-seat battle for the victory, ultimately crossing the line to claim a hard-fought second-place podium finish.

With this podium under his belt, Geoffrey continues to solidify his reputation as one of the most exciting young talents coming out of India. The focus now shifts to the next rounds of the championship, with Gusto Racing looking to carry this upward trajectory into the rest of the season.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, June 20 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has initiated a major push towards reviving Formula 1 and strengthening the motorsports ecosystem in India by announcing the formation of a dedicated task force that will prepare a roadmap for the sport's long-term growth in the country.

The decision was taken following a comprehensive meeting chaired by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya with officials from the Ministry, representatives of the national motorsports federation and other key stakeholders. The discussions focused on the current state of motorsports in India, the challenges that restrict its growth, and the opportunities to position the country as a major destination for international racing events.

As a key outcome of the meeting, the Ministry will establish a four- to five-member task force to conduct a detailed assessment of India's motorsports landscape. The panel will study the existing ecosystem and examine the infrastructural, operational and policy-related issues that need to be addressed to facilitate sustainable development of the sport.

The task force will also evaluate the broader benefits associated with hosting premier international motorsport events, including Formula 1. These will include the economic impact, tourism potential, international visibility and investment opportunities that such events can generate for the country.

“A task force will be constituted for the revival of Formula 1, with a focus on infrastructure development, a comprehensive policy framework, and a structured public-private partnership model to strengthen motorsports in India,” Sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya said.

Based on its assessment, the committee will identify priority areas requiring intervention, recommend infrastructure upgrades and outline the operational framework needed to support the expansion of motorsports in India. Its recommendations will subsequently be submitted to the Sports Ministry.

Using the task force's findings, the Ministry plans to formulate a comprehensive national policy framework to promote motorsports at multiple levels. The proposed framework is expected to address infrastructure development, talent development, event-hosting capabilities, and long-term governance mechanisms for the sport.

Recognising India's growing and passionate motorsports fan base, the Government also intends to place special emphasis on expanding the sport beyond elite competition. Plans include strengthening regional and grassroots motorsport centres to create a sustainable talent pipeline while improving access to facilities across the country.

To ensure effective implementation, the Ministry will explore Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models as part of a structured development strategy. The collaboration between government agencies and private stakeholders is expected to play a crucial role in infrastructure development, event management and investment mobilisation.

The Government also intends to integrate motorsports into its broader 'Play in India' initiative, positioning the discipline as an important component of India's sporting ambitions while enhancing its global sporting profile.

Source: IANS

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Jeddah, July 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) Formula One has reduced its overall carbon footprint by 35 per cent compared to its 2018 baseline and remains firmly on track to achieve its goal of becoming a net-zero carbon sport by 2030, according to its 2025 annual sustainability review released on Wednesday.

The report revealed a 12 per cent drop in carbon emissions compared to 2024, indicating ongoing progress across the championship's operations despite the sport's global growth.

A key factor in this reduction has been travel-related emissions, which have decreased by 27 percent since 2018. Teams have invested more in sustainable aviation fuel, and Formula One has expanded remote broadcast operations to limit the need for personnel and equipment to travel worldwide.

"Cross-sport efforts to cut carbon emissions have resulted in the removal of nearly 80,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from Formula One operations since 2018," Formula One stated. "This is like one person flying over 500 million kilometres or making over 100,000 one-way transatlantic trips from London to New York."

The sport plans to host 22 Grands Prix this year and continues to work on reducing emissions related to moving teams, staff, and freight between race venues.

Formula One mentioned a significant milestone in this effort would be reached by the end of the decade. "By 2030, more than 50% of Formula 1’s current broadcast and related freight will be taken off air transport, marking an important milestone in meeting its minimum emissions reduction target," the statement added.

Formula One President and CEO Stefano Domenicali noted that the latest figures showed the shared commitment of teams, partners, and organisers to make the sport more sustainable while continuing its global expansion. "I am proud of the teamwork that has kept us on track to reach net-zero by 2030," Domenicali said. “Through optimising the calendar, investing in sustainable fuels and alternative energy solutions, we have lowered our footprint as the sport keeps growing."

Source: IANS

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Chennai, June 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) Actress Shalini, the wife of well known Tamil actor and racer Ajith Kumar, who is currently in France along with her family to watch her husband's racing team 'Ajith Kumar Racing' make history, has now put out a post on social media that indicates the happy space the family is currently in.

Taking to her Instagram page to post pictures of their happy family in France, Shalini wrote, "A little bit of France, a whole lot of love!"

Meanwhile, Ajith Kumar's team, 'Ajith Kumar Racing', proudly completed its historic debut at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, becoming the first Indian team to compete at the iconic endurance racing event.

Amidst an incredibly competitive grid of 62 cars and a challenging race environment, both Ajith Kumar Racing entries delivered commendable performances, successfully staying clear of major incidents and showcasing strong pace, consistency, and teamwork throughout the event.

While Car 36 that belonged to the team ended with an overall position of P13, Car 16 had a class position of P9, meaning it had a top 10 finish. Securing a top 10 class finish on debut at Le Mans marks a significant milestone not only for Ajith Kumar Racing but also for Indian motorsport on the global stage.

On the occasion, the racing team expressed its gratitude to the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), the organizers of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, "for delivering an exceptional event and creating an unforgettable atmosphere for teams, drivers, and fans alike."

Meanwhile, director Vijay, who is now directing the docu-film that will showcase actor Ajith Kumar's efforts on the racing track, has now thanked actor Ajith Kumar for inviting him to witness and capture the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Sources close to the actor confirmed to IANS that the docu-film A L Vijay is directing will be around 90 minutes long and will seek to inspire scores of youngsters to pursue their dreams.

Source: IANS

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Catalunya, June 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) Lewis Hamilton claimed a magnificent maiden Grand Prix victory for Ferrari at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona on Sunday, ending Mercedes' unbeaten run in the 2026 Formula One season and reigniting his title challenge with a commanding drive.

The seven-time world champion had a well-executed race, finishing ahead of Mercedes' George Russell and McLaren's Lando Norris. This victory marked his first Grand Prix win in almost two years and was Ferrari's best result of the season.

Hamilton's win came from an aggressive three-stop strategy that proved effective. Ferrari started him on soft tires, which kept him from challenging for the lead at the beginning. However, the Italian team quickly adjusted and committed to a three-stop plan.

A timely Virtual Safety Car gave Hamilton a crucial free pit stop, allowing him to gain a strategic edge. From there, the 41-year-old ran a series of fast laps, steadily pulling away from the Mercedes cars and securing a memorable win.

This result also narrowed the championship leader Kimi Antonelli's lead after the Mercedes rookie retired late in the race. Russell finished second after a challenging afternoon, during which he briefly lost his position to his teammate before Antonelli's race fell apart. Norris took the final podium spot for McLaren, marking Formula One's first all-British podium since 1968.

Red Bull had a mixed outing, with Max Verstappen leading the team in fourth while teammate Isack Hadjar finished sixth. McLaren's Oscar Piastri placed fifth, separating the two Red Bulls and earning valuable points for the reigning Constructors' Champions.

Alpine had one of its strongest weekends of the season, with Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto finishing seventh and eighth, respectively. However, Colapinto's result came under scrutiny after he was noted for a possible yellow-flag violation.

Racing Bulls continued their recent comeback, with Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad clinching ninth and tenth places, giving the team points finishes for the second race in a row.

Gabriel Bortoleto just missed out on points in 11th place for Audi, finishing ahead of home favorite Carlos Sainz, who is headed to Ferrari. Haas driver Esteban Ocon and Cadillac's Sergio Perez were the last classified finishers. Williams' Alex Albon limped home in 18th after spending much of the race in the pits due to a technical issue.

The race had an unusually high number of retirements, with seven drivers failing to finish due to various mechanical issues. The most notable retirement was championship leader Antonelli, whose Mercedes stopped with just four laps to go. Ferrari also faced disappointment when Charles Leclerc retired late in the race, preventing the team from achieving a potential double points finish.

Aston Martin had a tough home race, with both Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso retiring. Cadillac also withdrew Valtteri Bottas' car as a precaution. Audi's Nico Hulkenberg, who had been running in the points earlier, also failed to finish, while Haas rookie Ollie Bearman became the last retirement of the day.

Source: IANS

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Monte Carlo, June 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Kimi Antonelli kept his cool amid late-race drama and a host of retirements to claim victory at the Monaco Grand Prix, extending his lead at the top of the Formula One Drivers' Championship standings.

The Mercedes driver turned pole position into a strong win on the streets of Monte Carlo, finishing ahead of Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull's Isack Hadjar. Seven drivers didn't reach the chequered flag during the race.

Antonelli had a perfect start, keeping the lead when the lights went out. Meanwhile, reigning world champion Max Verstappen struggled at the start as his Red Bull seemed to go into anti-stall mode. He dropped back in the pack before retiring, becoming the first casualty of the race.

With Verstappen out, Antonelli slowly increased his lead over the Ferrari duo of Hamilton and local favorite Charles Leclerc. Several other competitors faced mechanical issues.

The race looked likely to end without drama until the final stages when Lance Stroll crashed at the last corner of the Circuit de Monaco with about 20 laps to go. The Safety Car bunched up the cars and briefly threatened Antonelli's comfortable lead. However, it also allowed several drivers to pit and serve time penalties with little impact on their positions.

The excitement ramped up after the restart when Leclerc crashed at the same corner as Stroll. Officials had to pause the race to check for damage and track issues at the crash site.

Leclerc's retirement was crucial for the podium battle. Hadjar moved into third place, securing his first Formula One podium for Red Bull. Although Pierre Gasly finished ahead of him, two five-second penalties pushed Gasly down the order.

Oscar Piastri crossed the line in fourth, while Liam Lawson took fifth.

It was a good day for Racing Bulls, with rising star Arvid Lindblad finishing sixth. Gasly ended up in seventh, followed by Alex Albon in eighth and Esteban Ocon in ninth.

Cadillac celebrated as Sergio Perez scored their first Formula One points, though he remained under investigation for an alleged false start.

Just outside the points, Fernando Alonso finished ahead of Gabriel Bortoleto and a heavily penalized George Russell. The second Audi, driven by Nico Hulkenberg, was classified 14th. Franco Colapinto was the last driver to finish the race.

Monaco's tough streets took out several notable drivers during the afternoon. Verstappen's early retirement was followed by McLaren's Lando Norris, whose power unit problems marked his first pointless race of the season.

Oliver Bearman, Valtteri Bottas, Stroll, Leclerc, and Carlos Sainz Jr. also did not finish. Bottas’ race ended due to recurring brake issues that plagued his team all weekend. Stroll and Leclerc both hit the barriers in the same spot on the circuit.

Sainz’s race fell apart after the restart when he collided with Hulkenberg and Colapinto, leaving Albon as the sole points scorer for Williams.

Source: IANS

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Maranello, June 3 (SocialNews.XYZ) Ferrari has announced a new multi-year deal with Charles Leclerc, which will see the Monegasque driver race in red for the coming seasons. Leclerc joined Scuderia in 2019 after debuting in F1 in 2018 with Sauber, following his win of the Formula 2 Championship in 2017.

During his tenure with Ferrari, Leclerc has provided the tifosi with many memorable moments, including notable victories at Monza in 2019 and 2024, as well as a heartfelt home win in Monaco in 2024. He ranks second on the team in appearances, just behind Michael Schumacher.

The new deal represents the latest chapter in a decade-long relationship between the team and Leclerc. The 28-year-old joined the driver academy in 2016 and continues to demonstrate his confidence that he will eventually secure a World Championship for Maranello.

"I couldn’t be happier to continue this journey with Scuderia Ferrari HP. It has always been so much more than just a team to me. It’s the team I’ve loved and dreamt of being part of since I was a child, and after all these years it has become a second family,” Leclerc said.

"Together we’ve shared incredible moments and some tougher ones, but I believe in this team more than ever, and I’m deeply grateful that we will keep pushing side by side toward our shared goal of bringing the World Championship back to Maranello.

"Being a Ferrari driver is a dream, but it’s also a responsibility I never take for granted. I’ll continue to give absolutely everything I have to bring this team back to where it belongs, at the very top, for everyone in Maranello, and above all for the tifosi, whose passion is the heartbeat of this Scuderia,” he added.

Ferrari Team Principal, Fred Vasseur added, "Charles has been part of the Ferrari family for many years now and this renewal feels like something very natural for us. Over these seasons we have seen him grow, to become not only one of the strongest drivers in Formula 1, but also a person who is completely at one with the team and everything Ferrari represents. We appreciate his talent, we love his determination and the way he approaches every day with the people in the Scuderia, both on and off the track. We know how much this project means to him and we are happy to continue working towards our shared goals."

Leclerc's new deal confirmation arrives ahead of his home race in Monaco this weekend. Ferrari is expected to perform well, even though Mercedes has won every Grand Prix so far this year.

Ferrari has performed well in the Principality in recent years, with their car handling the street circuit's low-speed bends and bumps. The limited need for flat-out speed should benefit them, as there will be less of a lap-time advantage for the Mercedes power unit.

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli also highlighted Ferrari as the "team to beat" in Monaco, expecting Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to be strong contenders. This optimism might inspire Ferrari and Leclerc to replicate their 2024 performances, offering a much-needed boost after the challenging Canadian Grand Prix weekend, which Leclerc described as the "most difficult weekend" of his career.

Source: IANS

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Jerez, June 2 (SocialNews.XYZ) Indian motorcycle racer Kavin Quintal of EasyRace Team enjoyed a dream start to his 2026 Copa de España de Velocidad campaign, securing two podium finishes during the opening round of the Spanish championship at the Circuito de Jerez.

The Chennai rider, who turned 21 last month, qualified on the front row and delivered two impressive races aboard his Superbike. Kavin finished second in Race 1 and followed it up with a third-place finish in Race 2 on Sunday, announcing himself as an immediate contender in the highly competitive Superbike 1000cc category.

His strong weekend came after qualifying second fastest with a lap time of 1:45.549. Race 1 saw him finish runner-up, just 0.605 seconds behind winner Juan Maria Zarza, while he added another podium with third place in Race 2.

The podium finishes are an early reward for Kavin's move to the EasyRace Team, one of Spain's leading motorcycle racing outfits.

The Chennai rider joined the Spanish squad in April this year after impressing the team during a wildcard appearance in 2025, when he finished a remarkable fourth on his superbike debut in the championship.

For the 2026 season, Kavin has been signed for a full campaign with EasyRace Team, headed by Eduardo Salvador Vera. The partnership gives the Indian rider access to top-level technical support and proven BMW machinery as he takes on one of Europe's most competitive championships.

“I am extremely happy with how the season has started. Joining EasyRace Team earlier this year for a full season was a major step in my career, and everyone in the team has worked incredibly hard to help me settle in quickly. To come away from the opening round with two podium finishes is very encouraging, but this is only the beginning. The championship is long and highly competitive, and my focus is on continuing to learn, improve, and consistently fight at the front while proudly representing India on the international stage,” said Kavin.

Kavin, who has steadily built a reputation as one of India's brightest motorcycle racing talents, is the only Indian rider competing in this year's Copa de España de Velocidad.

He has also earned recognition as one of the first Indians to compete in the Supersport 300 World Championship race during a WorldSBK weekend, underlining his growing presence on the international racing scene.

With two creditable podium finishes already in the bag, Kavin and EasyRace Team have laid down an early marker as they prepare for the remaining rounds of the 2026 championship.

Source: IANS

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Montreal, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Lewis Hamilton said the huge change he made to his routine ahead of this weekend has been a catalyst for his best F1 qualifying session of the year so far after fifth in Sprint Qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix.

Ahead of the weekend the seven-time World Champion revealed he would not be using Ferrari's simulator and would be focussing on in depth data analysis and setup work with engineers. That plan seemed to immediately reap rewards in Montreal, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, where Hamilton comfortably outqualified teammate Charles Leclerc for the first time since the Chinese Grand Prix earlier in the season.

"It was probably our best Qualifying session that we've had in a while," Hamilton said after claiming P5 on the sprint grid. "It's great work with the engineers on the set-up changes; the car has felt really fantastic from FP1 and we've done some subtle changes for Quali."

The Briton ran well throughout both SQ1 and SQ2 but eventually ended up trailing the Mercedes-Benz and McLaren runners.

"SQ1 and SQ2 were looking good, and then I don't know what's happening for the others to be able to turn up their cars a little bit more, I don't know," he said. " I am just happy to be able to be in the fight.

"I've had so much fun out there today. It's also nice that I've not been using the sim and this is what the feeling feels like so I think for me that is the direction to go."

Hamilton explained the time spent away from the simulator was spent on physical fitness and in depth analysis of the car's balance characteristics.

"Yeah, we've had to work really hard in the last few weeks and sift through the data," he said. " So much more beneficial; first, because I was able to really concentrate on training and not get myself distracted; and second, to really comb through with the ride stability and with the corner balance and mechanical balance of the car. I've used a set-up that we've never tried before and it has changed the car for me, so I hope it serves us well through the rest of the weekend."

While it was a promising Friday for Hamilton it was not for Leclerc who suffered with his braking through Sprint Qualifying, the Ferrari drivers will start fifth and sixth respectively after the McLaren's of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri locked out the second row.

"Honestly on my side I kind of expected it as I was not at ease with the car," Leclerc said. " I am really struggling with the brakes for my side of the garage, for some reason; we need to look into it; hopefully find something for tomorrow otherwise it's going to be a very long race because when I get into corners with the brakes, I hope that I don't straight line the corner."

"That's pretty much the only big issue right now. Outside of that, the car actually feels quite ok. Lewis has been super fast this weekend, on my side I just need to find a way to work on my feelings on the brakes andhopefully we can get ourselves out of this situation tomorrow."

Source: IANS

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Montreal, May 23 ( IANS) George Russell made a strong comeback after recent setbacks by claiming pole position for the sprint race at the Canadian Grand Prix on Friday. He led a dominant front-row finish for Mercedes alongside his teammate and Formula One championship leader, Kimi Antonelli.

Russell recorded the fastest lap at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, edging out Antonelli by just 0.068 seconds in sprint qualifying. This outcome was a welcome lift for Russell after a tough race in Miami and it continued Mercedes’ strong performance on sprint weekends this season.

“This feels great after a tough Miami, but I never doubted myself. I know what I can do,” Russell said after taking pole. “It feels like you are driving a proper F1 car around here, which is how it should be. It all came together today.”

Antonelli, who has won the last three Grands Prix and became Formula One’s youngest championship leader at just 19, acknowledged that his session wasn’t entirely smooth despite finishing second. “The lap was quite bad, to be fair,” the Italian said. “The session was not clean at all. I made a mistake in SQ2 and that threw me off a little bit.”

The young Mercedes driver also mentioned that recent upgrades helped the team regain an advantage. “We brought the upgrade. Of course, we still need to understand the package a bit more since the balance has changed. Overall, it seems to have given us a bit of an edge again,” Antonelli added.

Lando Norris qualified third for McLaren, just ahead of teammate and reigning world champion Oscar Piastri in fourth. Norris remarked that the result was better than expected after a tough start to the weekend.

“After this morning, we were a little bit worried about how far behind we were, due to the lack of confidence in the car,” Norris said. “We made some tweaks, and it seemed to improve significantly. It wasn't my best lap; I could have done more, but considering the gap to the guys ahead, there wasn’t much more I could have done.”

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc finished fifth and sixth for Ferrari, while four-time world champion Max Verstappen placed seventh for Red Bull Racing.

This Canadian Grand Prix is hosting the sprint format for the first time. The 100km race will award points to the top eight finishers, with eight points for the winner.

The session also had its share of drama. Liam Lawson did not take part due to a hydraulic issue in practice. Alex Albon crashed his Williams Racing car after hitting a groundhog. Later, Fernando Alonso crashed during the opening phase of qualifying, causing a delay while barriers around the circuit were repaired.

Source: IANS

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Nurburg, May 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) India’s Arjun Maini delivered an impressive performance, driving for the Haupt Racing Team (HRT) Ford Performance, in Qualifying 2 for the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, finishing ahead of four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen on the timesheets in one of the most competitive GT3 fields in world motorsport.

Competing in the headline SP9 category, Maini clocked an 8:11.278 lap in the #64 Ford Mustang GT3 during the second qualifying session at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The Indian driver ended the session fourth overall in SP9, ahead of Verstappen’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 entry, which posted an 8:11.614 lap.

The result came in a packed 161-car field at the iconic endurance classic, which features more than 20 classes; one of the most diverse grids in global motorsport. This year’s edition also marks the event’s largest starting grid in over a decade.

“It’s always special to be competitive at the Nürburgring because the level here is incredibly high. The SP9 field is stacked with factory drivers and top teams, so to put together a lap like that feels really satisfying. The car felt strong throughout the session and we’ve been making good progress with the setup. There’s still work to do before the race, but it’s definitely a positive start for us,” Arjun Maini commented.

Maini, along with teammates Fabio Scherer, David Schumacher and Frank Stippler, is contesting the Nürburgring 24 Hours with HRT, a team he joined during its transition from Mercedes-AMG machinery to Ford’s new Mustang GT3 programme. The Indian racer has been part of Ford’s GT3 journey from the outset as a factory driver, with 2025 also marking the debut season of the Mustang GT3 Evo package.

Speaking ahead of the event, Maini highlighted the challenge and excitement of building a new programme with Ford and HRT.

“It’s cool because I did it together with them as well. I joined Ford as a factory driver, and it’s been good to be on this journey. It’s always a risk when you leave such a set system and a car that works in this. But again, for me and for the team, it was quite a cool challenge: to be given the opportunity to run such a cool car around Europe in amazing championships has been special. We were stronger than expected, and I think we’re ready to build on that this year,” he added.

The Nurburgring 24 Hours now heads into its remaining qualifying session before the twice-around-the-clock endurance race begins this weekend at the legendary Nordschleife, where Maini and HRT Ford Performance will look to convert their strong pace into a standout result against some of the biggest names in global GT racing.

Source: IANS

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Beijing, May 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) The easy part of Cadillac's Formula One project is over. Getting to the grid, securing the entry, assembling the personnel, and building the infrastructure across three continents have all been done. Now comes the harder task, one that has undone plenty of new teams before it, of turning that foundation into something competitive in a championship that rarely forgives inexperience.

Less than two years ago, this was still a nebulous idea rather than a functioning race team. By the time the lights went out in Melbourne to start the 2026 season, it had already become a global operation, stretching from Silverstone to Indianapolis to North Carolina, and pulling in staff from across the paddock to form something entirely new.

What that process would actually feel like, however, only became clear once it started, reports Xinhua.

"There definitely was some naivete," team owner Dan Towriss told Xinhua during last month's Japanese Grand Prix weekend. "You can say it's complicated, but until you get in and see all the pieces and everything that's needed, the amount of coordination, the number of complex systems that have to work together in unison, it's another level entirely."

That sense of reality setting in has not altered the direction of the project, but it has sharpened it. When Towriss spoke to Xinhua in Singapore last year, the emphasis was on long-term ambition and carving out a distinct identity. A few races into Cadillac's debut season, the focus is already more pragmatic, centred on processes, systems, and the rate of progress.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF PRESSURE

There has been no obvious panic in Cadillac's early weeks on track, nor any attempt to dress up its position. Four races into 2026, the MAC-26 is not yet a midfield contender, and both Towriss and team principal Graeme Lowdon are open about the scale of the gap that needs to be closed.

But there is still pressure, even without results to chase. "The pressure that comes is the pressure of Formula One, week in and week out, and it's self-imposed," Towriss said.

Seven finishes from a combined eight starts for drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas have offered a degree of early reassurance, particularly given how more established teams like Aston Martin have struggled with the demands of the new regulations, yet Towriss is wary of allowing that to become the benchmark. "I actually kind of bristle at that, because finishing a race is not the goal," he said.

LESSONS CARRIED FORWARD

For Lowdon, there is a familiarity to the process, even if the context has changed dramatically.

His last experience of leading a new F1 team came with Manor, an operation that spent its short life battling for survival before eventually folding, and one that stood alongside Caterham and HRT as examples of how difficult it is for new entrants to establish themselves in modern F1.

"The situations are very different, there's no question about that," Lowdon said, referencing the shift in both commercial and regulatory frameworks over the past decade.

Cadillac's project carries far greater financial backing and long-term intent than Manor's ever did, with General Motors and TWG Global underpinning a structure designed to grow over time rather than simply endure, but some of the underlying challenges remain the same. "Teams build up intangible intellectual property that is invaluable, and it takes years, if not decades, to build," Lowdon said. "The data we're assembling is a tiny fraction of what other teams have."

That lack of accumulated knowledge is not something that can be solved quickly, even with a fresh set of regulations that, in theory, should compress the field.

THE REALITY OF STARTING FROM SCRATCH

In practical terms, Cadillac is still operating without many of the tools that established teams take for granted, particularly when it comes to correlating simulation data with real-world performance - a process that underpins modern F1 development. "Aero's going to be at the top of the list," Towriss said, identifying the area most likely to determine how quickly the team can move forward.

Lowdon points to the same issue from a different angle, noting that the inability to run a car before the season has delayed the process of building reliable feedback loops between wind tunnel, CFD, and track data.

Until that gap is closed, progress will come in steps rather than leaps.

BUILDING MORE THAN A CAR

If there is one area where Cadillac believes it can accelerate its development, it is in the way the organisation itself functions.

The team has been assembled quickly, drawing on experience from across the grid, yet both Towriss and Lowdon have been clear that the objective is not simply to replicate what already exists elsewhere. "We're not Mercedes, Red Bull, [or] Ferrari," Towriss said. "This is Cadillac Formula One."

That approach has centred on creating a shared culture within a group that, until recently, had never worked together, something Towriss sees as essential given the complexity of the sport and the level of coordination required to compete effectively.

Early signs, at least internally, have been positive. "What I'm really pleased about is the way the team is performing in problem-solving, the team spirit is really, really high," Lowdon said.

PROGRESS OVER PROMISES

There is no attempt from Cadillac to make any grand pronouncements about desired points totals or championship positions. Instead, the aim for this season is to improve steadily, reduce the gap to the midfield, and build a platform that can support more meaningful progress in the years ahead.

"I think what we're hoping to do is take chunks of time off the car and be competing with mid-pack teams," Towriss said.

"The goal is to close the gap to the next team, race them, challenge them, and keep progressing," Lowdon added.

F1 has a long history of new teams arriving with ambition and leaving with little to show for it, undone by the sheer scale of the challenge. Cadillac, for all its backing and preparation, is not immune to those same forces.

What it does have, at least for now, is time, and a clear understanding that there are no shortcuts, only the slow, demanding process of building something capable of lasting in a sport where even the smallest advantage can take years to create.

Source: IANS

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Gandhinagar, May 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Gujarat observed World Athletics Day on Thursday by highlighting the growing participation of young athletes in the state through the 'Khel Mahakumbh' initiative, which saw 9,383 players compete in the state-level athletics competition held in Nadiad earlier this year.

World Athletics Day is celebrated annually on May 7 with the aim of promoting fitness, discipline and awareness about sports among young people.

The theme for this year's World Athletics Day is 'Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers', focusing on the role of athletics in strengthening social connection, unity and equality through physical activity.

Describing athletics as the “base of all sports”, the state government said the Khel Mahakumbh initiative has helped create opportunities for players from rural and remote areas to showcase their abilities at the state level.

“The youth of Gujarat are today bringing glory to the state in the field of sports and are making sports a profession,” officials said, attributing the growth of sports culture in the state to the “visionary leadership” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who launched Khel Mahakumbh in 2010 during his tenure as Gujarat chief minister.

According to the government, the initiative has generated fresh enthusiasm for sports across Gujarat and has helped identify talent from interior regions of the state.

The state-level athletics competition under Khel Mahakumbh 2025 was organised at the High Performance Centre in Nadiad of Kheda district, from January 16 to February 3.

A total of 9,383 athletes from across the state participated in the competition, including 4,694 boys and 4,689 girls.

Participants competed across Under-9, Under-11, Under-14, Under-17 and open age categories, reflecting what the government described as growing interest and wider participation in sports.

The competition featured 390 events, including races from 30 metres to 5,000 metres, 80m, 100m, 110m and 400m hurdles, long jump, high jump, pole vault, triple jump, shot put, discus throw, javelin throw, hammer throw, relay races and race walking events.

Players delivering strong performances were honoured with medals and tracksuits.

The government also highlighted athletes who have emerged through Gujarat’s sports ecosystem, including Sarita Gaikwad, Mayur Malaviya, Ruchit Mori and Murali Gavit.

Sarita Gaikwad, known as the “Golden Girl” from Dang district, won a gold medal as part of India’s women’s 4x400 metre relay team at the 2018 Asian Games.

Murali Gavit secured a bronze medal in the men’s 10,000 metre event at the 2019 Asian Athletics Championships, bringing international recognition to Gujarat athletics.

Officials added that the state government remains committed to supporting talented athletes and strengthening the state’s position in sports.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, May 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Mumbai’s Kiaan Shah (Rayo Racing) produced his best result yet in International Karting, with a second place finish in Round 2 of the RMC Asia Trophy on Sunday in Pattaya, Thailand.

The 15-year-old delivered one of his best qualifying results, clocking 51.218 on the 1.2 km Bira circuit, just 0.118 seconds behind Thailand’s Pannu Stienmonkong who was fastest.

Kiaan started fourth in Heat 2, but lost a place at the start. He soon overtook Japanese racer Shun Sekiguchi and Eason Tseng of Chinese Taipei. Next, he got past Stienmonkong and finished second behind Thailand’s Toby Gale.

Disaster struck in Heat 3, when Kiaan’s engine shut off while running third. A quick-thinking Kiaan found the problem and fixed back a wire. But still finished last.

Kiaan started seventh in the Super Heat and drove a brilliant race to finish second. An accident caused a Full Course Yellow, allowing paramedics to attend an injured racer. Rain and chaos ensued, once the race resumed. Kiaan fell to sixth after a mistake, but recovered to finish fourth.

The result from all heats decided the starting grid for the Final. Kiaan had a bad start from fifth and lost a place. He made an extremely daring move and moved to fourth on Lap 1.

A series of quick laps saw him catch and get past Tseng to move into third. Next, he took down Krish Gupta to get behind the leader. Though he kept pace with the leader, Kiaan was unable to close the gap and eventually finished second, 3.8 seconds behind Gale. Stienmonkong was third. The same grid contested the Thailand Championship and therefore Kiaan won 2 trophies, one for the Asian Championship and one for the Thai.

“I am very happy how I drove this weekend. I had a bit of a pace deficit in Round 1, but now I am up there. The team did a fantastic job with the kart and I would like to thank everyone,” said Kiaan.

Coach and mentor Rayomand Banajee added, “The grid was close at the top and Kiaan has had impressive pace all weekend. He has improved his qualifying pace on new tyres and it’s good to see the progress he has made at this level.”

Source: IANS

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Miami, May 3 (SocialNews.XYZ) Isack Hadjar will start the Miami Grand Prix from the back of the grid after being disqualified from qualifying due to a technical violation on his Red Bull Racing car. He initially secured an impressive ninth-place finish.

Hadjar showed promising pace, qualifying just seven spots behind his four-time world champion teammate Max Verstappen. Red Bull seemed to benefit from a significant upgrade package introduced over the weekend. However, post-session checks uncovered a breach of technical regulations, leading to an investigation by the stewards.

The problem came from a small irregularity in the car’s floor assembly. A section on both the left and right sides was found to stick out beyond the allowed reference volume by 2mm. This small deviation violated the sport's strict technical rules, resulting in Hadjar’s exclusion from qualifying.

Despite this setback, Hadjar can start the race from the back of the grid since race officials deemed his practice session performances satisfactory. Red Bull accepted the ruling without contest. Team principal Laurent Mekies gave a straightforward response.

“We made a mistake and we respect the decision of the stewards,” Mekies said. “No performance advantage was intended or gained from this error.

“We will learn from this incident and review our processes to understand how it happened and to make sure it does not occur again.

“As a team, we apologize to Isack, our fans, and our partners. We learned the hard way today, but we will move forward.

“Now our focus is on turning yesterday’s encouraging performance into a strong race this afternoon.”

The Miami Grand Prix at Hard Rock Stadium will start earlier than planned due to forecasts of heavy rain in the area. On the grid, Kimi Antonelli will start on pole position for Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, adding another intriguing element to what is shaping up to be an unpredictable race.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 2 (SocialNews.XYZ) Former Formula 1 driver and Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi has passed away at the age of 59 on Saturday. Zanardi's family confirmed the news in a statement. They informed that the former champion passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.

Zanardi is known for his great comeback after losing both legs in a horrific crash in 2001, which ended his racing career. After the accident, he rebuilt his career and became a global icon in Para cycling. He competed for Italy in the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics, winning four gold and two silver medals.

The racing icon suffered severe injuries in a road accident in Italy in 2020, while riding his hand bike in Siena in northern Italy.

"It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred suddenly yesterday evening, 1 May," Zanardi's family announced.

"Alex passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all those who are showing their support at this time and asks that their grief and privacy be respected during this period of mourning."

The Italian was one of motorsport's most popular characters, competing in Formula 1 in the 1990s with Jordan, Minardi, Lotus, and Williams across 41 Grands Prix.

His strongest stint was with Lotus in 1993 and 1994, with Zanardi scoring a career-best sixth-place finish in Brazil.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Alex Zanardi. He was truly an inspirational person, as a human and as an athlete. I will always carry with me his extraordinary strength. He faced challenges that would have stopped anyone, yet he continued to look forward, always with a smile and a stubborn determination that inspired us all. While his loss is profoundly felt, his legacy remains strong," Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said in a statement.

"At this time, my heartfelt thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his wife Daniela, his son Niccolò, the rest of the family, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him,” he added.

Source: IANS

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Miami, May 2 (SocialNews.XYZ) Kush Maini delivered an outstanding performance in Miami by securing pole position for the first FIA Formula 2 race at the venue. The championship returned under unusual circumstances and featured one of the most competitive qualifying sessions of the season.

After previous rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were canceled, the revised schedule sent F2 to Miami for the first time. This created a unique situation where both rookies and seasoned drivers competed on a completely new circuit equally.

The session started with early benchmarks from Colton Herta, whose practice pace translated into qualifying as he briefly posted a 1:41.038. However, as grip increased and drivers found their rhythm, lap times rapidly improved. Rafael Camara then climbed to the top with a 1:40.441, just ahead of Alexander Dunne, demonstrating the field's intense competitiveness.

Margins stayed extremely narrow throughout, with only about half a second separating the top ten midway through the session. Teams decided to reset, pitting drivers for new tyres before the crucial final run.

In the final moments, the track was crowded as all 22 cars made their last runs. Nikola Tsolov started strong with a fast lap, but Gabriele Mini soon surpassed him. The ongoing changes at the top highlighted the high stakes of the session.

Maini ultimately performed at his best when it counted, recording a remarkable 1:39.888 to claim pole position by just 0.033 seconds ahead of Camara. Martinius Stenshorne secured third place, merely 0.050 seconds behind, while Dunne finished a strong fourth for Rodin Motorsport.

The session concluded with yellow flags after Stenshorne encountered a problem and stopped on track, which prevented any final times and finalized the grid order.

Behind the leading quartet, Mini secured the fifth position, with Nico Varrone in sixth. Joshua Duerksen and Oliver Goethe finished seventh and eighth, respectively, while Laurens van Hoepen and Tsolov completed the top ten.

Tsolov’s tenth-place result qualifies him for reverse-grid pole position in the Sprint Race, giving the Red Bull junior a strong chance to increase his points after bouncing back from an earlier setback in practice.

For Maini, securing pole position is a key milestone, his second in Formula 2. It sets him up well for the Feature Race, as he aims to capitalize on recent momentum and turn his qualifying speed into a major race-day result.

Source: IANS

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Miami, May 2 (SocialNews.XYZ) Formula One world champion Lando Norris produced a stunning lap to secure pole position for the Miami Grand Prix sprint race, edging out Mercedes’ championship leader Kimi Antonelli and denying McLaren a front-row lockout.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) Lewis Hamilton is excited for the 2026 Formula 1 season to start again as Ferrari aims to catch up to championship leaders Mercedes before the Miami Grand Prix. After a tough 2025 season, Ferrari has shown signs of progress under the new rules. Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc have each earned podium finishes in the first three races.

Reflecting on the mid-season break, Hamilton said, “Everyone's had a chance to review what happened in the first three races. Everyone's had more time to refine the car. I just feel ready for the second shot at it.”

Ferrari is currently in second place in the Constructors’ standings behind Mercedes.

Meanwhile, Hamilton and Leclerc are third and fourth respectively in the drivers’ championship, behind Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. While they expect to have upgrades in Miami, Ferrari is also looking for chances in the upcoming ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) window to close the performance gap.

Hamilton recognised the challenge they face, especially regarding engine performance. “I think it's a big ask.

“Firstly, I'm really thankful for all the hard work. I've been back at the factory every week during this break, and I've seen how hard the team has been working to deliver an upgrade. There's a significant amount of work involved in building these components and in the high quality they produce, so I'm incredibly thankful to everyone at the factory for that.

“I think there is a power gap between the Merc and us, and probably the Ford as well.

“To close that gap means we have to develop twice as much as the others each time, which is a big ask.

“You have to assume everyone's developing at a similar rate because of the new rules. If a team improves by a tenth, we need to improve by two. If they improve by two, we need to bring three or four.

“That’s a lot. I think we just need to keep pushing to eventually close the engine gap.”

Hamilton's season so far has been a mix of ups and downs. After finishing fourth in Australia and finally earning his first Ferrari podium in China, he had a tough weekend in Japan, finishing sixth. However, a post-race analysis revealed underlying issues that affected his performance.

“I think it’s helped everyone to step back and take a look at their first few races,” he said.

“In the last race, I felt we were lacking power. We did a thorough investigation and found it wasn't just the engine but the overall system, with several factors combining to cost us eight to nine tenths on straight-line power.

“We've addressed that, working on the simulator and at the factory every week. We're training a lot, and I feel very ready for the weekend.”

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, April 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as the official brand ambassador for a Formula 1-backed sim racing initiative in India, with Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited announcing his association ahead of the launch of the F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026.

The programme, organised under an agreement granting Mumbai Falcons the rights to host an official Formula 1-sanctioned sim-racing competition, aims to create a structured national platform for emerging esports racing talent across the country. The initiative marks a significant step towards integrating motorsport and esports within India’s broader sporting ecosystem.

Iyer, regarded as one of India’s consistent performers across formats, has also built a strong connection with younger audiences beyond cricket, making him a strategic choice to represent the programme and its vision of engaging a new generation of athletes.

“Sport has always been about finding your edge and staying disciplined enough to act on it. When I heard what Mumbai Falcons is building in terms of a real pathway that takes young Indians from where they are today to where they could go, I didn’t need much convincing. This is the kind of initiative I would have wanted access to growing up, and I’m proud to be part of what’s coming,” said Iyer, Brand Ambassador for the F1 Program in India led by Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited.

The championship will be conducted on F1 25, the official game of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, replicating real-world circuits, formats, and team environments to deliver an authentic racing experience.

Explaining the vision behind the initiative, Ameet Gadhoke, Managing Director of Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited, said the project is designed to bridge structural gaps in India’s sporting ecosystem and unlock untapped potential.

“We built Mumbai Falcons on the belief that India has world-class sporting talent; the potential, however, has been constrained by structural deficiencies. Partnering with Formula 1 to bring the F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026 to life is yet another significant initiative in that direction.

Shreyas represents exactly the kind of athlete we had in mind when shaping this initiative, displaying sporting excellence and discipline paired with authentic resonance with the emerging demographic, the younger aspiring generations. The platform we’re about to launch is something India has not seen before in this space. The full scope of this initiative will be announced shortly,” Gadhoke said.

Registrations for the competition will open on April 30 through the MFRL app, with online qualifiers followed by city-based simulator rounds. The competition will culminate in a national final scheduled to be held in Mumbai in November.

Mumbai Falcons’ most ambitious nationwide project to date is offering Indian youth a pathway into global-format competitive racing through esports.

Source: IANS

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Doha, April 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) India’s Johann Emmanuel, astride a Kawasaki ZX-6, scripted history by becoming the first from his country to win the coveted Qatar Superstock 600 Championship (QSTK) by winning both the races in the postponed final round to provide a grand climax to his debut season in this class.

The 19-year-old Chennai-based Johann, trailing championship leader Marton Belleli from Hungary by nine points going into the weekend’s double-header, needed to win both races to seal the title, and he delivered stunningly.

Qualifying second, Johann won both races, withstanding immense pressure to clinch the championship with a 21-point advantage. He finished the season with six wins out of 10 races, having endured a 200 km/h crash and three retirements due to mechanical issues.

Speaking after the races, Johann said: “It’s an incredible feeling to secure my first international title in my debut season on a 600cc machine. I was thrilled after the race. Every bit of hard work and sacrifice was worth it. But this is just the beginning, and there’s still a long way ahead.”

Johann’s journey to the title was far from straightforward. An early-season crash at 200 kmph could have derailed his campaign, but instead, it became a turning point. Emmanuel returned stronger, using the setback as motivation in his pursuit of the championship.

Through the season, Johann demonstrated remarkable consistency and pace, winning six out of ten races. His triumph marks a historic milestone, making him the first Indian rider to win a QSTK trophy title – achieved in his debut season in the 600cc category.

Speaking after the races, Johann described winning his first international title in his debut season on a 600cc machine as an incredible moment, adding that he was delighted with the result and felt that all the hard work and sacrifices had finally paid off. However, he emphasised that this achievement is only the start of a longer journey ahead.

"It's an incredible feeling to secure my first international title in my debut season on a 600cc machine. I was thrilled after the race. Every bit of hard work and sacrifice was worth it. But this is just the beginning, and there's still a long way ahead."

Source: IANS

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Las Palmas, April 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Indian rally champion Dean Mascarenhas and co-driver Gagan Karumbaiah successfully completed their maiden FIA World Rally Championship, finishing 7th in the WRC3 class debut at the 50th edition of Rally Islas Canarias 2026, completing one of the season’s most demanding all-asphalt events in the WRC here.

Driving a Ford Fiesta Rally3, prepared by PH Sport, the Indian duo made a memorable debut and used the event as a crucial learning exercise on fast, technical and unfamiliar European tarmac stages. This is the first event on the world stage with TSI Racing, which gave them a platform after they won the Indian National Rally Championship in 2025. Competing along with higher-powered cars in the Premier Classes, the Indian duo finished overall 48th and 7th in their class, the WRC3 class.

The rally, based in Gran Canaria, featured 18 special stages presenting a steep challenge for a crew making its first appearance in WRC3 at this level. Despite brake issues on the opening day, Mascarenhas and Karumbaiah worked through the problem, adapted across the remaining stages and steadily built confidence through the weekend to successfully finish the rally clocking 03h 41m 50.6sec for a little over 301.3 competitive kilometres, including a 10-min penalty.

For Mascarenhas, the result was about much more than times alone. Every loop offered a reference point in car setup, stage management, tyre usage and pace-note execution, while also underlining the precision required to compete in international Rally3 machinery on sealed-surface rallies. With no experience at this level, Karumbaiah used the pace notes training to show composure and played an important role in finishing cleanly and maximising mileage. Support from PH Sport, whose experience at the highest level, helped keep the step up in fine fettle.

“It's been a challenging weekend, with tricky conditions, rain in parts, and changing grip levels making it difficult to settle into a rhythm on the first day. We overcame brake issues and settled down, and on Saturday the focus has been on regrouping and learning as much as possible from every kilometre. Every stage taught us something new. Overall, it has been a tremendous experience and a valuable learning curve,” said Dean Mascarenhas.

"For Dean and Gagan, Rally Islas Canarias was a first chapter as they prepare for the grind into the season. It is a demanding debut that delivered exactly what the programme was designed for: experience, perspective and a stronger foundation for future WRC3 appearances,” said Mohan Nagarajan, Chairman and Managing Director of Sidvin Energy Engineering.

Source: IANS

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Jerez (Spain), April 26 (SocialNews.XYZ) Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) achieved a dream as he rolled out a stunner by storming to back-to-back victories at his home GP in a dramatic 2026 Grand Prix of Spain that saw Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) crash out of second place on Lap 2 in Jerez in Spain.

Marco Bezzecchi’s (Aprilia Racing) record-breaking victory run is now over, but the Italian’s P2 is another fantastic result for the championship leader as compatriot Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) earned P3 to jump up to third in the standings.

Marc Marquez got away from pole perfectly and grabbed the holeshot with both arms as the field dived into Turn 1, with Bezzecchi getting a stormer – unlike in the Sprint – from the second row to jump to P2. And Alex Marquez (#73) got a corker too. The 2025 Spanish GP winner was P3, then P2 behind Marc Marquez after the Gresini Racing star shoved his way past the Championship leader at Turn 9.

Alex Marquez didn’t wait long to pounce on Marc Marquez either. Turn 6, the Dani Pedrosa Corner, saw the #73 shove his way past the reigning World Champion. Now, could Marc Marquez respond?

Huge drama unfolded for the #93 on Lap 2 as Marc Marquez crashed out at the rapid right-hand turn of 11. The front-end washed away, and there was no chance of saving that one, as the home-crowd hero suffered a very early DNF in Jerez for the second year running. Thankfully, the Spaniard was up on his feet and OK, but that’s another early dent to the Champion’s title charge.

Back on track, Alex Marquez was lapping 0.6s ahead of Bezzecchi as Di Giannantonio also passed Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) for P3 on Lap 5. At this stage of the Grand Prix, Diggia was a second behind compatriot Bezzecchi.

A small but costly mistake from Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) at the start of Lap 6 saw the Spaniard slip to P9 from P7 following contact with Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team), leaving the #37 one place ahead of Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and without some front-end aero. That was then one place behind Pecco, as the Italian made a move stick on the KTM rider at the final corner.

Up front, Alex Marquez was beginning to stretch his legs. At the start of Lap 10, his lead was 1.6s over Bezzecchi, who in turn had Di Giannantonio lingering 0.6s behind. Martin remained well within reach of the podium battle too; the 2024 MotoGP World Champion was a further 0.6s back in P4, with Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) a second back from the second Aprilia in P5.

At the start of Lap 12, misery was compounded in the factory Ducati box. Pecco encountered some form of problem with his Desmosedici, and the sight of the #63 pulling into the pitlane signalled a nightmare Sunday in Jerez for the top two in the Tissot Sprint.

CONTROLLING IT TO THE FLAG

While there was disappointment in the red corner of Ducati, there was pending delight in the blue corner. Alex Marquez’s lead was now just under two seconds at the end of Lap 15 of 25, with Di Giannantonio 0.9s away from second-place Bezzecchi.

With six laps left, Alex Marquez was controlling the gap back to Bezzecchi, and the same can be said for the title race leader in his attempts to keep Di Giannantonio at bay.

While the podium positions were looking settled, the battle for the top six wasn’t. And Zarco, with three laps to go, got a face full of Trackhouse – first from Fernandez, then from Ai Ogura. Two classy moves pulled on the impressive Frenchman.

The 10 seconds up the road from that particular fight, Alex Marquez had 4.4km left to arrive at the chequered flag as a Spanish GP winner for the second year in a row. A wave to the jubilant, packed hillsides through Turns 9 and 10 capped off a phenomenal Sunday for the recently turned 30-year-old, as Alex Marquez clinched a dream Jerez win again.

This time, it was Bezzecchi who finished P2 to Alex Marquez. The unbeaten Sunday run ends, but that’s another brilliant result for the Italian and Aprilia. A treasured 20 points means Bez’s lead in the championship extends to 11 over fourth-place Martin, and sandwiched between the Aprilia duo was the in-form Di Giannantonio, who bagged a second podium of the season. That moves the Italian up to P3 in the World Championship, with Martin 19 points clear in P2 after another great weekend.

The winner of that P5 battle we mentioned? Ogura. The Japanese rider shoved past his teammate at Turn 6 on the final lap to pick up 11 points, with Fernandez in P6 on home turf. Zarco’s strong weekend ended with a solid P7, as Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) acted as the lead KTM rider on Sunday with a P8. Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) crossed the line in P9 as his recovery continues, and a frustrated Acosta had to settle for P10. Not what the #37 had ordered.

Acosta’s teammate Brad Binder was one place and 0.3s behind in P11, with Sprint podium finisher Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), and Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) – after a double Long Lap penalty for the 2020 World Champion – closed out the points-paying positions.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, April 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) Formula 1 on Friday announced that the Turkish Grand Prix will return to the FIA Formula One World Championship from 2027, with Istanbul Park confirmed on the calendar through the 2031 season following a new agreement with Turkiye’s Ministry of Youth and Sports.

The Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED) will be Formula 1’s delivery partner for future events. The Turkish Grand Prix was last staged in 2020 and 2021 when Sir Lewis Hamilton secured his seventh Drivers’ Championship in 2020 – equalling Michael Schumacher’s all-time record.

Istanbul Park first joined the Formula 1 calendar in 2005 and quickly earned a reputation as one of the championship’s most technically demanding tracks. The 5.33-kilometre layout features dramatic elevation changes that challenge both driver skill and car performance. The multi-apex turn 8 is an incredible test of driver precision and commitment, challenging their ability to maintain speed and balance through its long, sweeping left-hander.

The most recent winner at Istanbul Park was Valtteri Bottas in 2021 with Mercedes, who, alongside Sir Lewis Hamilton, is one of only two current drivers to have won the Turkish Grand Prix.

Türkiye has hosted nine Grands Prix and is a venue loved by teams, drivers, and fans alike, with the circuit producing competitive racing throughout the field. Brazilian driver Felipe Massa holds the record for the most victories at Istanbul Park, taking three consecutive wins between 2006 and 2008 while driving for Ferrari, and other drivers, including Kimi Räikkönen, Sebastian Vettel, and Jenson Button, have also triumphed at the circuit.

Formula 1 continues to grow in Türkiye, where the sport has more than 19 million fans, and over 7.5 million followers on social media. Instagram followers have grown by 25% year-on-year, and YouTube views have increased by 107%.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye said, “Formula 1 ranks among the world’s foremost sporting events, distinguished by its spectacle, its young fan base, and its leadership in automotive technologies.

“In our country, too, Formula 1 enjoys a broad following across all age groups - especially among our youth - with a truly passionate fan base.

“The races reach nearly 19 million people in our country, while around 7.5 million follow them closely on social media.

“We have hosted Formula 1 a total of 9 times: 7 races between 2005 and 2011, and two races during the COVID period in 2020 and 2021. Istanbul Park - particularly famous for its Turn 8 and a favourite among racing enthusiasts - will, Inshallah, once again host five seasons of exciting, high-quality races between 2027 and 2031.

“I regard Türkiye’s return to the Formula 1 calendar as a clear reflection of the strong confidence placed in our country - in our robust organisational capacity; in our modern sports and healthcare infrastructure, and, of course, in the renowned hospitality of the Turkish Nation. As Türkiye, we will once again fulfil this trust by delivering a flawless organisation in every respect, just as we have done in the past.

“I extend my sincere congratulations to everyone who has contributed to bringing Formula 1 back to our country and to Istanbul. I hope that Türkiye’s partnership with Formula 1 - as a country of motorsport - will continue to grow stronger in the years ahead,” he said.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said, “We are delighted to be returning to the incredible and vibrant city of Istanbul from 2027 to thrill all our fans in Türkiye and around the world on one of the most exciting and challenging circuits in Formula 1. As a city, Istanbul represents a cultural gateway between Europe and Asia, offering a unique blend of history and tradition with a forward-thinking approach to sport, business, and entertainment.

”I want to thank His Excellency President Mr. Erdoğan, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation for their support in securing Formula 1’s return. Many memorable moments have been made in our sport’s history at Istanbul Park, and I’m excited to begin the next chapter of our partnership, allowing fans to experience even more incredible racing in a truly fantastic location.”

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said, “Formula 1’s return to Türkiye is a powerful reflection of the continued global growth and appeal of our sport, and I am delighted to see the Turkish Grand Prix rejoin the FIA Formula One World Championship calendar. Istanbul Park is a circuit that holds a special place in Formula 1 history, and its return underlines our shared commitment to expanding the championship in dynamic markets.

“My thanks to His Excellency, President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and to Eren Üçlertoprağı, President of FIA Member Club, the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED). Through this strong collaboration, we are not only securing the long-term future of Formula 1 in Türkiye, but also supporting the continued development of motorsport, strengthening the foundations for sustainable growth in the years to come.”

Source: IANS

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Chennai, April 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) Karna Kadur of Bengaluru, along with co-driver Kumar Ramaswamy from Coimbatore of Arka Motorsports, overcame a turbo failure to win the 49th South India Rally at the Madras International Circuit on Sunday. The event was organized by the Madras Motor Sports Club. His main competitor, Gaurav Gill, retired due to a mechanical issue.

Kadur, 37, dominated the weekend with blistering speed, matching the intense heat as he surged through the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship powered by Vamcy Merla and the FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship. His performance once again highlighted his undeniable talent. Hyderabad’s Jeet Jhabkah and co-driver Musa Sherif from Kasargod finished second in the APRC, while the Spanish team of Edgar Vigo Lopez and Fatima Ameneiro Teijeiro rounded out the top three.

MMSC awarded Musa Sherif a memento in recognition of his achievement of competing in his 350th career rally, both nationally and internationally

In the INRC Overall segment, the top three finishers, besides Kadur, were from Bengaluru, with Ritesh Guttedar and Suraj M (AART Motorsports) finishing second ahead of Arvind Dheerendra and Shahid Salman (Duran Racing). Ritesh also claimed victory in the INRC 2 class.

Meanwhile, two female competitors, Tarushi Vikram (Chikkamgaluru) of Chettinad Sporting and Anushriya Gultati (Dehradun), were among the top 10 finishers in the INRC. Tarushi, with co-driver Athreya Kousgi, achieved a double by winning the Ladies and Junior INRC classes. Anushriya, with co-driver Karan Aukta of Arka Motorsports, finished second in the INRC 3T category, just behind Vishakh Balachandran.

Arvind Dheerendra from Bengaluru and his co-driver Shahid Salman debuted with Duran Racing by winning the INRC 3 class.

Kadur's only setback during an otherwise flawless run was losing turbo power suddenly in Sunday’s second Special Stage, costing him over a minute while he was leading Gill by roughly 30 seconds. Interestingly, Gill, a three-time APRC champion, also faced a mechanical problem in the same Stage, which shifted the advantage decisively to Kadur. His service crew did an excellent job fixing the turbo issue during the 30-minute service break.

“It was a bit of a struggle for me after I lost the turbo barely 700 metres into the Stage (19.38 Kms), but somehow survived. Though I lost over a minute, I had sufficient lead to retain my top position. Also, I was lucky that there was a break for service after the Stage and I was able to get back on pace over the remaining two Stages. I was positive through the weekend and it helped me a lot to have the mechanics who have worked with me for over a decade and they knew exactly how and what to do. Of course, I am thrilled to win here and get a good start to the season,” said Kadur.

Jeet Jhabakh's debut APRC season was as successful as he had hoped for. “When Gill dropped out, I could breathe easy and with no chance of catching up with Karna (Kadur), I opted to secure my APRC points even if it meant easing off a bit. There was a moment when I saw Gill parked on the Stage and I spun, but recovered. It was close!” said a relieved Jhabakh, who had finished fourth in the APRC Round-1 in Otago, New Zealand, earlier this month.

For Edgar Vigo Lopez, it was a trial by fire. “We are happy to finish on the podium, but it was very challenging. The heat! We are not used to it, but seriously, we are thankful to Arka Motorsports for giving us a great car. Overall, our first trip to India was enjoyable and we now look forward to doing well in the remaining two APRC rounds in China and Indonesia,” said Lopez.

Provisional classification:

Asia-Pacific Rally Championship:

1. Karna Kadur/ Kumar Ramaswamy (Arka Motorsports) (01hr, 59mins, 55.5secs)

2. Jeet Jabhakh/ Musa Sherif (pvt.) (02:04:58.0)

3. Edgar Vigo Lopez/ Fatima Ameneiro Teijeiro (Spain) (02:05:47.8).

Indian National Rally Championship:

INRC Overall:

1. Karna Kadur / Kumar Ramaswamy (Arka Motorsports) (01:59:55.5)

2. Ritesh Guttedar / Suraj M (AART Motorsports) (02:04:27.4)

3. Arvind Dheerendra/ Shahid Salman (Duran Racing) (02:04:29.2).

INRC 2:

1. Ritesh Guttedar / Suraj M (AART Motorsports) (02:04:27.4)

2. Jeet Jabhakh / Musa Sherif (pvt.) (02:04:58.0)

3. Arjun Y Mavaji / Jeevarathinam J (Chettinad Sporting) (02:07:49.8).

INRC 3:

1. Arvind Dheerendra / Shahid Salman (Duran Racing) (02:04:29.2)

2. Chandan Manchegowda / Suraj Keshav Prasad (Arka Motorsports) (02:06:02.4)

3. Tarushi Vikram / Athreya Kousgi (Chettinad Sporting) (02:06:46.1).

INRC 3T:

1. Vishakh Balachandran / Chiranth Jain (Duran Racing) (02:05:43.6)

2. Anushriya Gulati / Karan Aukta (Arka Motorsports) (02:06:38.8)

3. Adith KC / Avinash CA (Arka Motorsports) (02:11:01.9).

Ladies:

1. Tarushi Vikram / Athreya Kousgi (Chettinad Sporting) (02:06:46.1)

2. Athira Murali / Arun Chakkalakkal (Duran Racing) (02:15:30.0)

3. Sonakshi Paranthaman / Dheeraj Salimath (Chettinad Sporting) (02:20:56.8).

Junior INRC:

1. Tarushi Vikram / Athreya Kousgi (Chettinad Sporting) (02:06:46.1)

2. Sonakshi Paranthaman/ Dheeraj Salimath (Chettinad Sporting) (02:20:56.8)

3. Hoshmand Elavia / Venu Ramesh Kumar (Pvt.) (02:50:41.3).

Masters Cup:

1. Pradeep Ravi / Thimmu Uddapanda (Arka Motorsports) (02:07:15.1)

2. Balakrishna Jayasimha / Arjun Dheerendra (Pvt.) (02:18:13.6).

Classic Cup:

1. Sreejesh MP/ Naushad KM (Pvt.) (02:38:28.7).

Source: IANS

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