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Fernando Alonso: World Endurance Championship race moved so F1 star can compete

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Fernando Alonso will take part in all rounds of the World Endurance Championship this year after a race was moved to accommodate him.

The two-time F1 world champion is dove-tailing his F1 commitments for McLaren with racing for Toyota in the WEC.

The Japanese race clashed with the US Grand Prix but in a sign of Alonso’s pulling power it has been moved a week earlier than the F1 race in Texas.

The race at Fuji Speedway will now take place on 14 October.

The move was officially requested by Fuji but the track is owned by Toyota, so it effectively comes from Alonso’s team.

It is believed to be the first time an FIA world championship event has been moved solely to ensure one driver can take part in it, and as such demonstrates the remarkable appeal Alonso has as one of the biggest stars in motorsport

From Alonso’s point of view, it means the 36-year-old Spaniard can now target winning the WEC title as well as Le Mans, as he will be taking part in all races. He called it “awesome news” on Twitter.

Toyota said: “Fantastic for our Japanese fans that Alonso can also race in Fuji due to WEC date changes.”

The move means Alonso will be competing in 21 grands prix and six WEC races in 2018.

He is also committed to doing the three WEC races in 2019 which also count to the new ‘super-season’ championship, a long as they do not clash with a grand prix if he is still racing in F1 next year.

McLaren executive director Zak Brown said he had no concerns about Alonso’s workload.

“Fernando is very well prepared, knows what it takes to be successful and he wouldn’t have taken on the additional commitment if he didn’t think he could do both at the highest level,” Brown said.

“It is no other agenda than he wants to race and he wants to win Le Mans.

“What would he be doing those weekends otherwise? He wouldn’t be testing an F1 car or on the simulator.

“We have everything we need out of him on the F1 front so these are weekends he’d either be in a go-kart or golfing or whatever he wants to do. He’ll just be in a WEC car. He wants to spend his spare time in race cars.”

But Brown emphasised that F1 remains Alonso’s main priority.

“While he is going to go there and try to win the championship, because that’s what he does, when you think of Fernando you think of him as a McLaren Formula 1 driver first and foremost.”

WEC boss Gerard Neveu said: “How could we have someone like Fernando Alonso in our paddock, racing for Toyota, and say we are going to Japan without him in their car?

“Alonso is racing for a World Championship and to win that he can’t miss a race.”

The date change means the Fuji race now clashes with a sports car race in the IMSA series in the USA, in which some of the drivers in the WEC are racing.

Neveu said IMSA “fully understood” the situation and Alonso hoped it would be able to move the date of that race.

source: www.bbc.co.uk

Posted in F1

Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne needs trophies to win Ballon d’Or – Guardiola

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Kevin de Bruyne needs to win “lots of titles, especially the Champions League” to win the Ballon d’Or, says his Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

However, when asked if the midfielder was playing at a level that made him a contender to be named the world’s best, Guardiola said: “I have no doubt.”

“To be a contender, you have to win [the Champions League], and be there in the latter stages,” added Guardiola.

“But how he played against Leicester it is hard to find better in Europe.”

De Bruyne made three assists in Saturday’s 5-1 victory over Leicester to take his total in the league this season to 14, four more than the next best player.

Guardiola continued: “It is not just one game, it is all season and every three days that he is playing that way.”

Most Premier League assists this season
14: Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City) 8: David Silva (Manchester City)
10: Leroy Sane (Manchester City) 7: Dele Alli (Tottenham)
9: Paul Pogba (Manchester United) 7: Riyad Mahrez (Leicester)
8: Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Arsenal) 7: Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)

De Bruyne, 26, said: “I do everything to win titles with the team. What happens after is an extra.

“I am very pleased with the way everything is going for me. The way the team is playing makes it easier for me and for them. At the end, if you get an individual honour it is beautiful.”

Speaking on Match of the Day on Saturday, BBC pundit Danny Murphy said De Bruyne was “probably the best passer of the ball I have seen in the Premier League”.

De Bruyne was 14th in the Ballon d’Or rankings in 2017, when Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo won the award for a fifth time.

Ronaldo and Barcelona star Lionel Messi, also a five-time winner, have been the only players to take the honour since Kaka won it in 2007.

In eight of the past 11 seasons, the winner has been part of the Champions League-winning side.

City, who are chasing an unprecedented quadruple (they play in the League Cup final against Arsenal on 25 February and visit Wigan in the fifth round of the FA Cup on 19 February), resume their Champions League campaign on Tuesday with the first leg of their last-16 tie against FC Basel in Switzerland.

They were knocked out by Monaco at this stage last season in Guardiola’s first season in charge, after reaching the semi-finals under Manuel Pellegrini in 2016.

What is the Ballon d’Or?

The Ballon d’Or has been awarded 62 times and is voted for by 173 journalists from around the world.

It has been awarded by France Football every year since 1956, but for six years it became the Fifa Ballon d’Or in association with world football’s governing body and was awarded to the world’s best player.

However, Fifa ended its association with the award in September 2016.

source: www.bbc.co.uk

Antonio Conte: I am ‘a bit of a disaster’ in convincing Chelsea to sign players

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Chelsea manager Antonio Conte admits that he is "a bit of a disaster" when it comes to convincing the club’s board to sign new players.

The Premier League champions failed to make any big signings in the January transfer window.

And the 48-year-old Italian says he needs to be more persuasive.

"I have to speak more with the managers who are very, very good at persuading their clubs to spend money to buy top players," he said.

"I think I’m a bit of a disaster to convince the club to buy players. I think in this aspect I can improve a lot.

"I have to learn a lot from the other coaches, the other managers, in that aspect."

Conte said in January that he was "happy" at Chelsea, playing down reports that his relationship with owner Roman Abramovich had become strained.

Abramovich was reportedly angry that the Italian had said he did not choose the club’s signings this season.

Chelsea are facing a fight to qualify for next season’s Champions League after winning one of their past five Premier League matches.

They go into Monday’s game against West Brom in fifth place, two points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and 22 adrift of leaders Manchester City.

Striker Alexis Sanchez and defender Virgin van Dijk were both linked with the club recently before going to Manchester United and Liverpool respectively.

But Conte said he can still get the best out of his squad.

"My task is to try and improve every single player, in every aspect – in terms of their mentality also. For this, I’m very good," he said.

source: www.bbc.co.uk

Super League: Catalans Dragons 12-21 St Helens

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St Helens survived the dismissal of back-rower Morgan Knowles to beat Catalans Dragons in Perpignan and make it two wins from two in Super League.

Saints established a first-half lead with tries by Jonny Lomax and Regan Grace, as Catalans went in scoreless.

David Mead’s score reduced the deficit before Knowles was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Thibaud Margalet.

Adam Swift added a third Saints try and Danny Richardson took his points tally to nine before Alrix Da Costa’s reply.

Having dismantled last season’s stand-out performers Castleford Tigers last week, Saints came through another tough examination of their championship aspirations with this victory on a traditionally difficult trip – which appeared even more tricky after Knowles’ exit.

It took them less than a minute for playmakers Ben Barba and Lomax to combine for the opener, setting a tone for the rest of the game as the duo and Richardson caused no end of problems.

Catalans showed character in defeat, keeping pace with the Saints for large periods but this loss means Steve McNamara’s side remain winless from their first two fixtures.

source: www.bbc.co.uk

New Zealand v England: Eoin Morgan remains a doubt for tourists

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England captain Eoin Morgan is a doubt for Tuesday’s Twenty20 tri-series match against New Zealand in Wellington because of a groin injury.

It kept him out of Saturday’s defeat by Australia, and with the series now switching to New Zealand, Morgan did not bat in the nets before the game.

Jos Buttler is again set to stand in as skipper, with batsman James Vince keeping his place in the XI.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has a back injury and could also be absent.

The Kiwis could field two debutants after wicketkeeper Tim Seifert and ex-Hong Kong batsman Mark Chapman were added to the squad in place of Tom Blundell, Tom Bruce and Seth Rance.

With three games left in the tri-series, co-hosts Australia are already into the final having beaten England twice and New Zealand once.

England have made 155 and 137 in their first two matches, and opener Jason Roy knows the side need to do better.

"We’ve under-performed as a team and because of that we’ve got a bee in our bonnet," said the Surrey right-hander.

"We want to make sure the next game is a strong performance.

"It’s not just about being aggressive and hitting the ball out of the park, it’s recognising we have got the firepower and being smarter with it.

"Playing aggressive cricket, an aggressive brand and all that, that’s not just what we’re about. In the past we’ve played a lot smarter cricket.

"It’s been hugely frustrating because of the line-up we’ve got."

source: www.bbc.co.uk

Sauber to make Honda engine switch for 2018 Formula 1 season

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Sauber will switch to Honda engines in 2018, ending an eight-year relationship with Ferrari.

The struggling Swiss team will be the second outfit using Honda power units next season, joining the Japanese company’s works partner McLaren.

McLaren welcomed the deal, saying it was “a chance to double the opportunity for research and development in 2018”.

Sauber are the slowest of the 10 teams in F1 this year and Honda have the least powerful engine.

The Japanese company admits it has failed to make the progress it expected with a new engine design this year but is hopeful it can improve as this season develops.

Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn described the new engine deal as a “strategic and technical realignment”.

Katsuhide Moriyama, Honda’s chief officer for brand and communication operations, said it was “a new challenge in Honda’s F1 activities” and the company would “strengthen the systems and capabilities” of its research and development base in Sakura, Japan, and its F1 satellite base in Milton Keynes.

source: www.bbc.co.uk

Posted in F1

Aaron Lennon: Everton winger not suffering long-standing mental health issue

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Everton winger Aaron Lennon is not suffering from a long-standing mental health issue and is expected to make a full recovery in the short term, BBC Sport understands.

The 30-year-old was detained under the Mental Health Act by police over concerns for his welfare.

He was taken to hospital “for assessment” after police were called to Salford on Sunday.

It is understood his condition is a recent occurrence.

Lennon is now “receiving care and treatment for a stress-related illness”, his club has said.

The England international, who joined Everton from Tottenham in 2015, has not played for the first team since February.

Greater Manchester Police said: “Police were called at around 4.35pm to reports of a concern for the welfare of a man on Eccles Old Road.

“Officers attended and a 30-year-old man was detained under section 136 of the Mental Health Act and was taken to hospital for assessment.”

News of Lennon’s admission has led to an outpouring of support on social media from those involved in the game, as well as fans of his current and former clubs.

Everton tweeted on Wednesday: “Thank you for all the kind messages for Aaron. We are supporting him through this and his family has appealed for privacy at this time.”

Lennon’s representative, Base Soccer Agency, tweeted: “Everyone at Base Soccer sends their support to @AaronLennon12 – get well soon and stay strong.”

Sport shows support for Lennon

Ex-Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore, who has been affected by depression: Thoughts and love with Aaron Lennon and his family right now. I know that place, and I know he’ll be fine with good support from us all.

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno, who has battled depression: Thoughts are with Aaron Lennon today, stay strong & as positive as possible, there is light at the end of tunnel. You will get through this boss.

Lennon’s former club Tottenham Hotspur: Get well soon @AaronLennon12, we’re all thinking of you.

The Professional Footballers’ Association: Get well soon Aaron, we are all thinking of you and here to offer our full support.

Former Queens Park Rangers and Burnley defender Clarke Carlisle, who played with Lennon at Leeds United: Love and blessings to my old teammate @AaronLennon12. Nail this now and there’s plenty more left in the tank my friend.

Ex-Manchester City and England midfielder Trevor Sinclair: Thoughts with Aaron Lennon right now.

Former Aston Villa forward Darren Byfield: Hope Aaron Lennon will be OK and gets the help he needs.

Former Watford and Sheffield United striker Danny Webber: Get well soon Aaron Lennon.

England cricketer Kate Cross, an ambassador for Opening Up Cricket which promotes mental wellbeing: Fingers crossed Aaron Lennon is OK. Another reminder that mental health affects us all. Be kind.

source: www.bbc.co.uk

Wimbledon 2017: Ilie Nastase will not be invited to Royal Box this year

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Ilie Nastase will not be invited to the Royal Box at Wimbledon this summer, tournament organisers have said.

Romania’s Fed Cup captain, a former world number one, is currently under investigation over comments he made about Serena Williams’ unborn child.

Williams accused Nastase of racism after he was overheard asking if the child would be “chocolate with milk”.

He also insulted British player Johanna Konta and captain Anne Keothavong, and called a journalist “stupid”.

At a news conference on Wednesday, Wimbledon also announced record prize money of £31.6m for this year’s event, an increase of 12.5% on 2016.

The men’s and women’s singles champions will earn £2.2m each, with an increase to benefit players at each round of the draw. First-round singles losers will earn £35,000.

Overall prize money for the last year’s edition was £28.1m, with the singles champions earning £2m.

This year’s event gets under way on 3 July, the latest start since the 1895 edition, when play began on 8 July.

All England Club chairman Philip Brook confirmed 70-year-old Nastase, who reached the Wimbledon final in 1972 and 1976, would not be present.

“His actions were not very good and we condemn them. In terms of an invitation to the Royal Box, he is not going to receive an invitation this year,” Brook said.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has launched an investigation into remarks Nastase made during April’s Fed Cup match, when he also directed an angry outburst towards Konta that left the British number one in tears.

In an interview with the BBC later in April, the Romanian defended his remarks about world number one Williams.

“English people considered it was racist and everybody picked it up like that,” he said.

“The only person who can get upset maybe is Serena, but not you people in England. Why does everybody else get upset? I don’t understand. Whatever.”

source: www.bbc.co.uk

Man Utd: Jose Mourinho ‘does not know’ about Old Trafford job

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Jose Mourinho says he does not know about becoming the next Manchester United manager, but is hoping to be back in football this summer.

Earlier this month, BBC Sport reported that United had held talks with representatives of the Portuguese.

Mourinho, 53, was sacked by Chelsea in December, seven months after winning the Premier League title.

Asked if he will replace Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford, Mourinho said: “That’s the one million dollar question.”

Speaking at a school in Singapore, he added: “Nobody knows and I am the first one not to know. I read so many different things.”

Mourinho has been linked with a return to Serie A side Inter Milan and Spanish giants Real Madrid.

But he said: “Starting next season with a new club and project is probably the best for me.”

The future of Dutchman Van Gaal, 64, has been an almost constant source of speculation in recent weeks.

His contract ends at the end of next season but the former Netherlands boss has been involved in a number of testy exchanges with reporters whenever his position is discussed.

United lie fifth in the Premier League, six points off fourth-placed Manchester City, and went out of the Champions League at the group stages.

They are through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and face Danish side FC Midtjylland in last 32 of the Europa League on Thursday, trailing 2-1 from the first leg.

source: www.bbc.co.uk

UFC 196: Conor McGregor to fight Nate Diaz after injured Rafael dos Anjos’ withdrawal

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Following the news yesterday that Rafael Dos Anjos had withdrawn from his UFC 196 clash with Conor McGregor, the UFC wasted little time in naming Nate Diaz as a surprise replacement.

It was originally thought that the natural replacement for Dos Anjos would be Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone who, last weekend at UFC Fight Night 83, defeated Alex ‘Cowboy’ Olivera via an arm triangle choke in the first round.

The UFC however, went for fan favourite Diaz who has campaigned for a fight with McGregor since early last year.

A fight between the two was first mooted when Diaz was contacted by the UFC last July and asked to fight the Dubliner following Jose Aldo’s withdrawal from UFC 189. That time, however, the Stockton native was overlooked for Chad Mendes.

Diaz then ignited the talk of a showdown with McGregor last December when he went on a verbal tirade at the Irishman after beating Michael Johnson at UFC on Fox 17.

“If people want to see a real fight, they know who to call,” he said. “I’ll train hard and ninja his a** up. Ninja real s***, not no funny fake ‘let’s fight, but let’s be good friends, it’s a sport’ – f*** that, f*** the sport. This is fight s****. This is ninja s****. That’s what people want to see.”

Dos Anjos’s pull-out has presented Diaz with a fantastic opportunity to finally get the fight he has been craving and take on McGregor. The bout will now take place at UFC 196 on March 5th at welterweight (170lbs).

Mind you, Diaz will know that he wasn’t necessarily the UFC’s first choice to replace Dos Anjos. Speaking to Yahoo Sports yesterday, UFC president Dana White confirmed that bothFrankie Edgar and Jose Aldo had been offered the fight but had declined the opportunity – citing injuries and not being ‘in the right shape to fight’ respectively.

Among all the uncertainty and controversy, one thing has always been consistent and that is that McGregor was always showing on March 5th. Such is his confidence in his own ability, McGregor has always maintained the competition are all the same to him. 

While the competition may be the same, McGregor will be making an unprecedented jump in weight class from the UFC featherweight division (145lbs) to the UFC welterweight division (170lbs). Time will tell whether this new weight class will suit ‘The Notorious’. Even before the fight with Diaz had been made, it was rumoured that McGregor would go on to challenge Robbie Lawler at UFC 200 for the UFC welterweight belt. 

McGregor and Diaz will cross paths today at an open workout session in LA where they will meet members of the press for the first time since the bout’s announcement.

source: www.independent.co.uk

Posted in UFC