Wednesday, 26 August 2026
FIA CONFIRMS THE RESULTS OF THE FIRST TWO AUDO ASSESSMENT PERIOD
The FIA has confirmed the results of the first two Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) assessment periods for the 2026 Formula 1 season, with no Power Unit manufacturer receiving any additional homologation upgrades following the second review.
ADUO was introduced for the 2026 regulations as a mechanism designed to help manufacturers whose Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) performance falls significantly behind the benchmark. Rather than acting as a traditional Balance of Performance system, the mechanism gives eligible manufacturers additional opportunities to develop their power units, alongside increased Cost Cap and dyno testing allowances.
The FIA evaluates the ICE performance of each manufacturer during three defined periods of the season. The assessment is based on an ICE Performance Index incorporating factors including input shaft torque, engine speed, MGU-K power and the impact of power sensitivity on lap time.
A manufacturer becomes eligible for ADUO when its ICE Performance Index is at least 2% behind the best-performing ICE.
Mercedes, Audi, Ferrari and Honda benefited from first review
The first ADUO assessment period was originally intended to cover the opening six races of the season. However, changes to the 2026 calendar resulting from the disruption in the Middle East meant that the period was adjusted to cover the first five races, ending with the Canadian Grand Prix.
The FIA subsequently confirmed that Mercedes fell within the 2-4% performance deficit window. As a result, the German manufacturer was granted one additional homologation opportunity for 2026 and another for 2027.
Audi, Ferrari and Honda were found to be more than 4% behind the leading ICE during the first assessment period. They therefore received two additional homologation opportunities for 2026 and two more for 2027.
All four manufacturers also received corresponding increases to their Cost Cap and dyno testing allowances.
No manufacturer qualifies after the Hungarian Grand Prix
The second ADUO review covered races six through 11, from the Monaco Grand Prix through to the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Following its analysis, the FIA confirmed that no Power Unit manufacturer was granted any additional homologation upgrades during the second period.
The governing body has not disclosed the individual performance figures behind its decision, citing the confidential nature of the data and the intellectual property of the manufacturers.
This means that none of the manufacturers accumulated a new set of ADUO upgrade opportunities as a result of the second review.
The FIA has nevertheless stressed that its analysis was extensive and that it has a high level of confidence in the results.
“The FIA has undertaken thorough and exhaustive analysis as part of our ADUO review process,” FIA Director of Single Seater Nikolas Tombazis said. “With the release of the findings of period 2, we are confident that, based on the quality of the data, its analysis is incredibly robust, giving us a high level of confidence in our findings.”
Tombazis added that 2026 is the first season in which ADUO has been implemented, meaning that some aspects of the system could be refined in future years through discussions with the Power Unit manufacturers.
What exactly does ADUO allow?
ADUO is not designed to artificially equalise performance on track. Manufacturers do not receive additional fuel flow, ballast adjustments or other direct performance advantages.
Instead, the system provides additional financial and development freedom to manufacturers that are sufficiently behind the leading ICE.
A manufacturer between 2% and 4% behind the best-performing ICE receives one additional homologation opportunity in the current season and another in the following season.
If the deficit is at least 4%, the manufacturer receives two additional upgrades in the current season and two more in the following campaign.
The financial allowances also increase according to the size of the performance gap. Manufacturers between 2% and 4% behind can receive up to $3 million outside their Cost Cap calculation, while the allowance rises to $4.65 million for a 4-6% deficit, $6.35 million for 6-8%, and $8 million for 8-10%.
For a manufacturer at least 10% behind, the allowance can reach $11 million per ADUO period. In 2026 only, such a manufacturer could also bring forward up to $8 million of Cost Cap allowance from future periods.
Upgrades are not limited to the ICE
Although ICE performance determines whether a manufacturer qualifies for ADUO, the additional upgrades themselves are not restricted solely to the combustion engine.
The regulations allow eligible manufacturers to make changes to a broad range of Power Unit components, including certain ICE elements, the exhaust system, turbocharger and wastegate or pop-off systems.
Eligible areas can also include electrical components and sensors mounted to the ICE or exhaust, the Energy Recovery System and its cooling systems, the MGU-K and Control Electronics. Certain hydraulic functions, fluids and ballast are also covered by the regulations.
This gives manufacturers considerable freedom in deciding where additional development resources can have the greatest performance impact.
The opportunities are not simply carried over
ADUO upgrades are also subject to strict timing rules. Additional homologation opportunities granted for a particular season must be used during that season. Any unused opportunity expires at the end of the relevant campaign and cannot simply be carried over indefinitely.
There is, however, an important exception when opportunities for the following season are awarded. If a manufacturer qualifies for ADUO again in the subsequent season, unused opportunities awarded from the previous year's assessment can potentially be combined with the new allocation.
This means that a manufacturer could, under the regulations, introduce four upgrades in a single season if it received two opportunities from the previous year's ADUO assessment and another two from a new assessment.
Final 2026 assessment still to come
The second review may not have produced any new opportunities, but the ADUO process is not yet complete for 2026. The third and final assessment period will cover races 12 through 18, beginning with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort and ending with the Mexico City Grand Prix.
The results of that review will determine whether any manufacturer falls at least 2% behind the leading ICE and therefore qualifies for additional development opportunities.
For Mercedes, Audi, Ferrari and Honda, the first-period allowances remain available according to the rules governing their respective 2026 and 2027 allocations. No new allowances were added after Period 2.
The final assessment will therefore be closely watched, particularly as manufacturers continue to develop their 2026 power units and the competitive picture evolves during the second half of the season.
With ADUO being introduced for the first time this year, its final 2026 review will also provide an important indication of how effective the new system is at giving struggling manufacturers additional development freedom without turning Formula 1 into a conventional Balance of Performance championship.
- Balazs Szabouu
MANCHESTER CITY SIGN TEENAGE MOROCCAN MIDFIELDER AYYUOUB BOUADDI FROM LILLE
Sought-after Bouaddi joins the Premier League club from Lille in a five-year deal worth $117m.
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| Ayyoub Bouaddi played a crucial role in Morocco's run to the World Cup quarterfinals [File: Steven Senne/AP] |
Manchester City have signed teenage Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a deal worth 100 million euros ($117m), the French club has confirmed.
Lille announced Bouaddi’s departure on a five-year deal on Wednesday, putting an end to ongoing speculation about the emerging talent’s future.
Ten-time Premier League champions Manchester City were in talks to sign Bouaddi after selling Rodri to Barcelona and Tijjani Reijnders to Al-Qadsiah, with Nico Gonzalez also poised to leave the Etihad.
Bouaddi was a crucial part of Morocco’s FIFA World Cup 2026 squad, showing a calm presence in the midfield as the Atlas Lions reached the quarterfinals of the tournament before falling to France.
Lille extended Bouaddi’s contract last year and, with three years remaining on the deal, they were expecting suitors to meet the 100 million euros (€117m) asking price.
“This is a very special day for me and my family,” Bouaddi said in a statement shared by City.
“Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world.
“It’s a dream to be here and be able to call myself a City player. I have spent most of my life working hard to become the best player I can be and reach the top of the game.
“I’ve watched City for many years, and I love their style of play.
“City always try and play quality football. And they have shown they are winners – this Club feels like it’s built to win.”
Being ahead of his time has been a theme throughout Bouaddi’s career. On the eve of his 17th birthday, in 2024, the rising star helped Lille secure a famous Champions League victory over Real Madrid.
On that special October night in northern France, Bouaddi faced a midfield comprising French internationals Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Football experts have repeatedly heaped praise on Bouaddi’s ability to soak up pressure and stand out as a midfield maestro for his club and country.
Bouaddi’s versatility can be seen on the pitch. Typically, holding midfielders are known for their defensive abilities – shielding the defence from the opposition’s attacks by cutting out passing lanes – but this young talent’s repertoire includes the ability to start an attack, too.
He is now the symbol of this new team and the rising star among Moroccan fans.
“He is amazing. What a talent, what a professional at 18 years of age,” Mohammed, a Morocco fan and the manager of Restaurante Jerusalem in Barcelona, Spain, told Al Jazeera in June.
“For those that slept instead of watching Brazil versus Morocco, they missed out on discovering the new [Sergio] Busquets,” Khalil Jadallah, a football commentator, said of Bouaddi’s talent.
“He can pass, he can defend, he can carry the ball, control the tempo … all this and he is only 18 years old.”
- Alazeera
FERMIN ALDEGUER JOINS VR46: RACING FOR DUCATI THROUGH 2028
A two-year contract and a factory bike for the Spanish rider, who's leaving Gresini to start anew with the "Rossa" team led by Valentino Rossi
Starting with the 2027 season and for the next two years, Fermín Aldeguer will be racing in the fluorescent yellow colors of the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team. The rider from Spain, currently in his second year in the MotoGP, will be a Ducati Corse factory rider and ride a factory Ducati Desmosedici GP.
Born in 2005, Aldeguer is the youngest rider on the grid and one of the greatest talents on the MotoGP scene, as he already demonstrated on the track. He took his first steps in Spain by winning regional and national championships and made his World Championship debut in 2021 in the MotoE, after winning European series. In the all-electric category, he immediately showed his stuff, earning a spot in the Moto2. He also demonstrated his potential in the intermediate class, quickly becoming one of the most highly regarded and sought-after riders.
His MotoGP debut came in 2025, when he secured three podium finishes and his first victory in the premier class (in Indonesia), becoming the second-youngest rider ever to win in the category. He finished his debut season in the Top 10 and was named Rookie of the Year. Currently, Aldeguer is eleventh in the championship, with one podium finish (Barcelona) to his credit, despite having missed three races.
The Spanish rider is eagerly anticipating this new challenge. “I’m very happy to take this step in my MotoGP career with the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team. Signing with Valentino’s team is incredible. He’s always been one of my idols, a role model. I think having him on the team will help me improve as a rider thanks to his valuable advice. The VR46 Racing Team is the Ducati Factory Supported Team—an extremely professional team—and I’m happy to be racing with them. With the new regulations for 2027, my goal will be to adapt to the new tires, but also to the new bike. Having the factory Ducati will help immensely with development throughout the season. It's going to be a year in which we’ll aim to be consistent, avoid mistakes, and spend as much time as possible on the bike to gather data. I’m sure we’ll work very well with the entire team and the Ducati engineers. We’ll be able to do a great job and aim to consistently finish in the top five. I can’t conclude without a word of thanks to the entire Gresini Racing team and to Nadia, who have helped me grow and brought me this far.”
Alessio Salucci added by saying, “We’re thrilled to confirm that Fermín will race with the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team in 2027. He’s a young rider who has shown great talent since his MotoGP debut, where he immediately made a name for himself. We can’t wait to welcome him to the team, where he’ll ride a factory Desmosedici GP as an official Ducati Corse rider. We’ll give him our full support to help him achieve our goals. Once again, I’d like to thank Ducati for its full support—both on a personal and technical level—and all our partners, who are backing this incredible project.”
Among those who have always believed in Aldeguer’s talent is certainly Gigi Dall’Igna. “We're very happy to announce the renewal of our agreement with Fermín for the next two seasons. Since his arrival in the MotoGP, he has demonstrated extraordinary talent, a great capacity to learn, and a determination that immediately impressed us. He's still a very young rider, but his potential is enormous, and we're convinced he has plenty of room to grow. For this reason, we've decided to further invest in him, reaffirming our confidence in a project that is clearly focused on the future. We believe that the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team represents the ideal environment for him to continue his journey. In recent years, the team has proven its ability to bring out the best in young talent and to be a truly competitive force in the Championship. We're certain that, here, Fermín will have everything he needs to continue growing and achieving significant milestones. At Ducati, we strongly believe in his potential.”
Pablo Nieto was also present to welcome Fermín. “It's with great pride that we welcome Fermín Aldeguer to the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team. A rider who has proven to have great talent. Despite his young age, he has already shown maturity and proven himself capable of handling a very demanding championship like the MotoGP. It’s by no means easy to win in the premier class, and he’s already done so in his first year. We have a lot of confidence in him, because we know he has the potential to fight for whatever he sets his mind to. As a team, we’ll be ready to support him every step of the way and make things as easy as possible for him.”
Finally, a special message from Nadia Padovani. “When you first got on our bike, you brought a breath of fresh energy, passion, and an incredible desire to win. Watching you grow and compete in our colors has been—and continues to be—a source of immense pride. We’ll stand by your side, just like on the first day, to give you all the love this team has to offer. Let’s have fun until the very end. Let’s open the throttle as wide as we can. 2027 can wait.”
MOTORGP: TECH3 KTM CONFIRM LUCA MARINI SIGNING FOR 2027 SEASON
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| Luca Marini will swap red for orange in MotoGP next season |
Luca Marini will join Tech3 KTM for the 2027 MotoGP season after spending the last three years with Honda.
The Italian has played an integral role in Honda’s MotoGP project since he joined them in 2024, proving to be a valuable asset on the technical development of the RC213V, whilst being a trustworthy, consistent rider on the track.
Marini takes the spot vacated by Enea Bastianini, who confirmed earlier this week that he would be racing for Trackhouse Aprilia next year alongside Raul Fernandez.
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| Luca Marini onboard the Honda RC213V during the 2026 MotoGP season |
“Luca is a rider we have been watching closely, and we are very pleased to welcome him to Tech3 from 2027,” team CEO Guenther Steiner said. “He brings a huge amount of experience, but also the right mentality and approach for what we are building here.
“2027 will be a big reset for MotoGP, so having a rider who can contribute to our progress in this new era will be important.”
2027 will be Marini’s seventh season in the premier class. The 29-year-old spent the first half of his MotoGP career with Ducati power, first via an Esponsorama Ducati partnership with Valentino Rossi’s VR46 team, and then as a full VR46 Ducati rider once Rossi’s team made the move to the premier class on a full-scale basis.
Marini celebrated his maiden podium at the Circuit of the Americas in 2023, before going on to secure Sprint podiums later that year in Indonesia and Thailand. Marini also broke the lap record in Indonesia to take his first pole.
More success followed in 2023 when Marini secured pole position in Qatar and followed this up with a Sprint and GP podium at the Lusail International Circuit.
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| Advice from The Doctor and brother, Valentino Rossi for Luca Marini |
Given his success in 2023, it came as a surprise to many that Marini chose to depart not only Ducati, but his brother’s team in favour of the struggling factory Honda team.
Whilst there have been no podiums during his time with HRC, Marini’s results have continued to improve as the bike becomes more competitive.
“We are very happy to have Luca joining us from 2027,” Tech3 KTM team manager, Nicolas Goyon said. “He has already shown his ability to perform at the highest level, and his experience in MotoGP will be extremely valuable as we enter this new chapter.
“He has a strong understanding of what is required from both the rider and technical side, and we are confident that he will be an important part of our progress with KTM. We are looking forward to working with him and seeing what we can achieve together.”
Marini is expected to be joined inside the Tech3 KTM garage by current Moto2 frontrunner Senna Agius.
- Josh Close
RAHEEM STERLING TO APPEAR IN COURT AFTER LAMBORGINI CRASH ON MOTORWAY
Raheem Sterling has been charged with dangerous driving and possession of nitrous oxide
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| Raheem Sterling during his time at Liverpool(Image: PA) |
Former Liverpool footballer Raheem Sterling has been charged with dangerous driving and possession of nitrous oxide after a crash involving a Lamborghini on a motorway, police said.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said the charges followed a single-vehicle collision on the M3 southbound, near Minley interchange, on May 28. The 31-year-old former England winger is accused of dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation and failing to provide a specimen. The force said no other vehicles were involved in the collision and no injuries were reported.
Sterling, from Berkshire, is due to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court for a hearing on September 15.
He scored 20 goals in 82 appearances for England, helping Gareth Southgate's side reach the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the final of Euro 2020. He came through the academy at QPR before joining Liverpool, where he made his senior debut.
Sterling, who was born in Kingston, Jamaica, moved to Manchester City in 2015 and won four Premier League titles, five League Cups and the FA Cup in 2019. He left for Chelsea in 2022 but after falling out of favour spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Arsenal.
After leaving Stamford Bridge, Sterling joined Dutch club Feyenoord on a short-term deal until the end of the season. He is currently without a club.
In the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours, Sterling was made an MBE for services to racial equality in sport after fronting anti-racism and discrimination campaigns and speaking out strongly against racism on and off the pitch for several years.
It came amid controversy over England fans booing players taking the knee at matches as a gesture against intolerance.
- Georgia Bates and Megan Banner
UVA SQUASH- CLASS OF 2030 INDUCTION CEREMONY. 💙🧡 | MAKEDA MOSHI 🔥
These new editions to the team are top notch.
Watch them play in the NCAA College Finals this year!
- Aristotle DredBoxi
BRUNO FERNANDES CLAIMS PFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR PRIZE AS MAN CITY FORWARD BUNNY SHAW WINS WOMEN'S AWARD
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has been named the 2025-26 PFA Players' Player of the Year after breaking the Premier League assists record. Meanwhile, Manchester City striker Bunny Shaw secured the women's prize for the second time, and Nico O'Reilly won the Young Player award on a memorable night that celebrated the outstanding performers of the season.
Record-breaking season for Fernandes
Fernandes was crowned the men's PFA Players' Player of the Year following an incredible individual campaign for Manchester United, as reported by Sky Sports.
He broke the all-time record for Premier League assists, setting up 21 goals to surpass Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. He also scored nine times to help Manchester United secure a third-place finish and earn a return to the Champions League under manager Michael Carrick.
Consequently, Fernandes is the first Manchester United player to win the prestigious trophy since Wayne Rooney in the 2009-10 season, adding this prize to the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award he won in May.
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| Getty Images Entertainment |
Pride in peer recognition
Reacting to the achievement, Fernandes expressed his delight at being recognised by his fellow professionals across the division. Fernandes said: "It is obviously a very proud moment. They are the ones you go on the pitch against and it's probably not easy to vote for someone you play against, so it is a very good moment."
In the women's game, Shaw scooped the PFA Women's Player of the Year award for the second time, claiming the trophy after scoring 21 goals to win a third straight Golden Boot and her first Women's Super League title with Manchester City.
Youth stars and merit awards
O'Reilly was named the Men's PFA Young Player of the Year after an outstanding campaign that saw him help England win World Cup bronze. O'Reilly said: "I had a great season. I'm very proud of the season I had. I won two trophies with my club and managed to play at the World Cup with my country. I'm over the moon how it turned out."
Meanwhile, Arsenal prospect Olivia Smith picked up the women's PFA Young Player of the Year title for the second consecutive campaign. Elsewhere, Sir Kenny Dalglish and Karen Carney received the PFA merit awards for their outstanding lifetime contributions to football.
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| AFP |
What comes next for the winners?
Manchester United have a busy schedule ahead as Fernandes prepares to lead his team in their highly anticipated Champions League return. Manchester City and Shaw will focus on defending their Women's Super League crown when the new season kicks off.
- Moataz Elgammal
Tuesday, 25 August 2026
MANCHESTER UNITED COMPLETE CARLOS BALEBA SIGNING
Baleba becomes the third Premier League player to bolster the Red Devils’ midfield, signing a five-year-deal with the option to extend for a further 12 months.
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| Manchester United have completed the signing of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. |
Manchester United have completed the signing of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba in a deal worth up to £70million.
After securing a Champions League return with last season’s third-place finish, there has been a focus on bolstering Michael Carrick’s midfield heading into the new Premier League campaign.
United saw influential Casemiro depart and Manuel Ugarte sustain a serious knee injury during a summer in which Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans arrived from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively.
Baleba becomes the third Premier League player to bolster the Red Devils’ midfield, signing a five-year-deal with the option to extend for a further 12 months after agreeing a £65m deal plus £5m in add-ons and a sell-on with Brighton.
“It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams. Playing at Old Trafford is always special but the opportunity to do so as a Manchester United player will be a real honour,” the Cameroon international said.
“I cannot wait to work with Michael Carrick. His experience and knowledge of the game make him the perfect coach to help me to reach the highest level.
“The ambition of everyone at the club is extremely clear, the future is hugely exciting, and I am determined to play my part in delivering the success that we are capable of together.”
United made a move to bring in Baleba last summer but cooled their pursuit when Brighton made it abundantly clear he was not leaving.
The 22-year-old was not at his best last season but that did not put off the Old Trafford outfit, with the club stepping up their interest a week ago.
United director of football Jason Wilcox said: “Carlos is an elite midfielder with immense potential to develop further. He brings a unique combination of qualities that will really complement our squad.
“We are delighted to further strengthen our midfield with the addition of another established senior international with a proven track record of performing in the Premier League.
“Carlos’ determination to join Manchester United and his confidence that we will achieve our shared ambitions mean that he is the perfect signing as we continue to build a dynamic and entertaining team ready to compete across multiple competitions.”
Brighton sporting director Mike Cave said: “Carlos has made a significant contribution during his time with us and we’ve seen him develop both as a player and person here.
“This is a move that Carlos was keen to make and we respect that he wants to take this opportunity at this stage of his career.”
Baleba’s arrival has been welcomed positively by many connected to United, including the club’s all-time top goalscorer Wayne Rooney.
“I really like him (Baleba), I think he’s a really good signing,” the former England captain told the ‘Stick to United with Wayne Rooney’ podcast on Disney+.
“We need another midfield player with a bit of physicality and I know he’s not six-foot-four or whatever.
“But he covers the ground really well, he’s aggressive, he takes the ball, and is what we need. He’s a very good player who will improve the team massively.
“It will be interesting with Tielemans, Santos and (Kobbie) Mainoo but this is what it should be. Competition for places. If you don’t play well, you don’t play.”
MAX VERSTAPPEN TO TAKE ON 100 ON HUGE KARTING EVENT
The challenge will see Max Verstappen contest the world's biggest karting race on September 16.
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| Verstappen will take on a 100 kart challenge at Silverstone © Red Bull Content Pool |
Max Verstappen is set to take on 100 rivals as he swaps out his Formula 1 car for a kart at Silverstone.
The four-time F1 champion is no stranger to taking on a challenge - just look at his recent exploits at the Nurburgring 24 Hours if you need proof. On this occasion, it will not be professional drivers lining up against him, but a string of Red Bull athletes, streamers, personalities, and "everyday fans" invited from around the world.
"In go-karts you learn all the basics: starts, defending, overtaking," said Verstappen. "Of course, I spent a long period of my life go-karting, so it's always nice to return.
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| The track has been tested ahead of Verstappen's karting challenge © Red Bull Content Pool |
"It's about understanding the grip of the go-kart. I've done so many years in go-karting that you quite naturally get back into things."
This field may not seem like a challenge for such a decorated F1 star, but 101 karts on a track at one time will make things potentially even more cramped than Zandvoort was last weekend.
In order to best cope with this number of vehicles, a purpose-built layout has been created at Silverstone. Race Director and French racing driver David Terrien was the man charged with the task.
"Creating a track for 101 drivers at the same time has never been done, never been seen," he said. "So, it's very exciting.
"When you have Max chasing everyone, I think that's going to be the experience of a lifetime for all the drivers. You're going to have Max showcasing all these skills of looking through the traffic, trying to prepare and plan where he can overtake people, and going through the traffic at the fastest speed he can because he doesn't want to let the drivers at the front pull away."
Among the Red Bull athletes set to take to the track against Verstappen are ultrarunner Arda Saatçi, basketball shooting phenomenon Chris "Lethal Shooter" Matthews, and British freestyle mountain biker Matt Jones.
Ensuring the challenge is in the public eye, the race will be broadcast live around the world on Disney+, and on the ESPN App for ESMP Unlimited subscribers in the United States.
The race will take place on September 16th, on the weekend between the Spanish and Azerbaijan grands prix.
- Sam Hall
LEEDS UNITED AND RANGERS CO-OWNER JED YORK JAILED IN THE US
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| York pleaded no contest to a charge of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools. Credit: Columbiana County Sheriff's Office |
Leeds United and Rangers co-owner Jed York has been jailed in the US, for a day.
York, also the owner of NFL franchise San Francisco 49ers, pleaded no contest to a charge of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools. He was sentenced to a day in jail for each count, which was served concurrently.
On Sunday 23 August he was initially arrested on suspicion of engaging in prostitution but that charge was amended to disorderly conduct, according to records confirmed by the NFL.
In America, a no-contest plea means a defendant accepts the conviction and punishment without an admission of guilt. He was also fined a total of £873.
San Francisco 49ers said in a statement: “As this is a legal matter, which has been resolved, we will not be providing any further comment at this time.”
An NFL statement read: “We are aware of the matter which will be reviewed under the personal conduct policy.”
Leeds United have refused to comment.
- itvX
MIKEL ARTETA COULD BLOCK JULIAN ALVAREZ TO ARSENAL TRANSFER AS GUNNERS EYE £130M SWOOP
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| Julian Alvarez continues to be linked with a blockbuster move to Arsenal (Image: Getty Images) |
Arsenal are reportedly willing to spend £130million on the signing of Julian Alvarez, but Mikel Arteta will insist on guarantees that he is genuinely keen on joining the Gunners. The forward is desperate to leave Atletico Madrid ahead of next week's deadline, having initially been eager to join Barcelona before their efforts were firmly rebuffed. It has left Alvarez in a sticky spot, with Atletico fans turning on him during their draw with Villarreal over the weekend.
Arsenal are reportedly willing to spend £130million on the signing of Julian Alvarez, but Mikel Arteta will insist on guarantees that he is genuinely keen on joining the Gunners. The forward is desperate to leave Atletico Madrid ahead of next week's deadline, having initially been eager to join Barcelona before their efforts were firmly rebuffed. It has left Alvarez in a sticky spot, with Atletico fans turning on him during their draw with Villarreal over the weekend.
The move would also require the Gunners to balance their finances, with Gabriel Martinelli edging towards a £50m move to Saudi club Al-Hilal.
That would represent a club-record sale for the newly-crowned Premier League champions.
Arsenal are also looking to offload Fabio Vieira with Hamburg driving to complete a deal, while Napoli have shown interest in Gabriel Jesus but the primary obstacle has been the forward's salary.
Jesus has also wished to remain in England but recognises his opportunities at Arsenal will be restricted.
It remains to be seen if Arsenal would even consider a swap deal for Alvarez that would see Viktor Gyokeres move the other way.
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| Mikel Arteta wants assurances that Alvarez is genuinely keen on the move (Image: Getty) |
Reports in Spain have suggested that the Gunners could table a £55m bid with Gyokeres thrown in as a makeweight to drive down Atletico's asking price.
Meanwhile, the prospect of signing Juventus star Kenan Yildiz appears increasingly unlikely given the winger requires knee surgery.
The Gunners have already splashed out considerably this window on Christos Tzolis, Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa, meaning it is entirely plausible they could refrain from further activity even if Martinelli leaves.
Eberechi Eze remains an option to cover the left flank and Arsenal may choose to bide their time, but if the opportunity to land Alvarez arises and the player proves willing to make the switch, the north Londoners are thought to be receptive.
- John Cross and Archie Griggs
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