Motorsports
Fear of a terrorist attack threatens the continuation of the Dakar Rally
The French Foreign Ministry is seriously considering the possibility of permanently suspending the Dakar Rally a week before it ends in Jeddah for fear of terrorist attacks.
As the Dakar Rally is organized by the French ASO, the French authorities have the power to interfere in the affairs of the race, which takes place exclusively on the territory of Saudi Arabia.
On December 30th, two days before the start of this year’s Dakar, an explosive device detonated, which was placed in a support vehicle of the French team Sodicars Racing from the Hotel Donatello in Jeddah.
Of the six occupants of the car, five escaped unscathed, but driver Philip Boutron was seriously injured in the lower extremities and taken to the intensive care unit at Clamar Military Hospital in France. Boutron is president of the United States’ second division Orleans soccer team and intends to take part in his 9th Dakar.
The French authorities are investigating the incident through the country’s counter-terrorism service, and despite heightened security measures in the camps – where 3,500 people involved in the fighting stay overnight – French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has abandoned the possibility of a definitive Game interruption open.
Le Drian Says The December 30th Strike “could be Terrorist attack“and continued ““There have already been attacks against French interests in Saudi Arabia.”
And he continued: “We thought that maybe it would be better to cancel the race, but the organizers disagreed. But we have to be very careful. At least they should have increased security, which they did, but the possibility is still on the table. “
The suspension of the Dakar Rally, should it come about, will not be unprecedented for the race. After four tourists were killed before the 2008 game, the game in Portugal (with the final destination in Senegal) was canceled before the start of fear of terrorist attacks in Mauritania.
Source: sport24
Jessica Martinez is an author at Sportish, a publication dedicated to sports news and analysis. She covers various topics related to sports and provides insightful commentary on the latest developments in the world of sports.
Max Verstappen shared his first impressions of the sound of the new generation Formula 1 power plants created according to the 2026 technical regulations.
Next season, the championship will see the most comprehensive changes to engine architecture since the introduction of turbo-hybrid units in 2014. The regulations foresee the abandonment of the MGU-H system, as well as a significant increase in the role of the electrical component; The ratio between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor will be 50 to 50.
Even though there is just over a month until the cars hit the track, Verstappen was pleased to hear the new engine was running.
Verstappen said: “It sounds good. Of course you hear it in the stands, but the sound is clear and pleasant. I don’t think anyone has specifically worked on the noise but it’s really good.” he said.
For the first time in its history, the Red Bull team is building its own power plant, working in partnership with the American automobile giant Ford.
Verstappen wants to challenge for the Formula One title again in the 2026 season after his tense championship defeat to Lando Norris this month. However, the Dutch pilot plans to take a break from F1 before the new season starts.
“I’m really looking forward to it – I really need it. I also want to make sure that everything I do within the program next year will be well prepared, especially the GT3 project. That’s the most important thing for me at the moment, that everything is in the right state,” summarized the pilot.
Source: Sport UA
Ruth Waterhouse is an author and sports journalist who writes for Sportish. She is known for her coverage of various sports events and her insightful analysis of sports-related news. With a passion for sports and a keen eye for detail, she has become a respected voice in the sports community.
Audi F1 chief Mattia Binotto shared his expectations for the German automobile manufacturer to participate in the championship for the first time, which is planned to be held in the 2026 season.
Audi completed the 100% acquisition of Sauber in 2024 and then began a large-scale personnel restructuring. In particular, former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Whitley joined the team and took on the role of team leader. The goal of the project is to gradually turn into a contender for victories.
Binotto, who is responsible for the technical development of the bases in Hinwil and Neuburg an der Donau, urged not to expect overnight success.
“We need patience; we are still in the team building phase. I don’t expect at all that we will have a better engine next year. But this is not decisive because our main targets are set for 2030.”
“We do not plan to cause a sensation in 2026,” Binotto said.
The Italian pilot also emphasized that Audi is moving in the right direction and is gradually gaining confidence within the team.
“The dynamics have changed significantly. Employees see it well; we are expanding and investing in long-term projects. This increases the credibility of the enterprise.”
Audi is fully committed to Formula 1. “Current investments are an investment in the future and we will see the results of this in 3-4 years.”
Source: Sport UA
Ruth Waterhouse is an author and sports journalist who writes for Sportish. She is known for her coverage of various sports events and her insightful analysis of sports-related news. With a passion for sports and a keen eye for detail, she has become a respected voice in the sports community.
Audi F1 chief Mattia Binotto shared his expectations for the German automobile manufacturer to participate in the championship for the first time, which is planned to be held in the 2026 season.
Audi completed the 100% acquisition of Sauber in 2024 and then began a large-scale personnel restructuring. In particular, former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Whitley joined the team and took on the role of team leader. The goal of the project is to gradually turn into a contender for victories.
Binotto, who is responsible for the technical development of the bases in Hinwil and Neuburg an der Donau, urged not to expect overnight success.
“We need patience; we are still in the team building phase. I don’t expect at all that we will have a better engine next year. But this is not decisive because our main targets are set for 2030.”
“We do not plan to cause a sensation in 2026,” Binotto said.
The Italian pilot also emphasized that Audi is moving in the right direction and is gradually gaining confidence within the team.
“The dynamics have changed significantly. Employees see it well; we are expanding and investing in long-term projects. This increases the credibility of the enterprise.”
Audi is fully committed to Formula 1. “Current investments are an investment in the future and we will see the results of this in 3-4 years.”
Source: Sport UA
Ruth Waterhouse is an author and sports journalist who writes for Sportish. She is known for her coverage of various sports events and her insightful analysis of sports-related news. With a passion for sports and a keen eye for detail, she has become a respected voice in the sports community.
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