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“Physically weakened”: Guirassy returns early

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“Physically weakened”: Guirassy returns early

Serhou Guirassy has left the national team of his home country Guinea ahead of schedule. In Dortmund, there is currently no cause for concern about the striker.

As the Guinean Football Association announced on Friday evening, Guirassy left the African country’s national team for medical reasons and after consultation with the officials in order to return to Borussia Dortmund earlier than originally planned.

The 29-year-old sat on the bench for 90 minutes during the 2-1 win in Mozambique and did not play. According to the Guinean federation’s statement, the striker was already “physically weakened” but traveled to prepare for the game out of love for his home country and wanted to support his teammates above all else.

Guinea, which ends its World Cup qualifying campaign with a match against Botswana on Tuesday, no longer has a chance of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

The exact nature of Guirassy’s physical problems is not known. Most recently, the 29-year-old was unable to play in BVB’s 2-0 win in Mainz in September due to thigh problems. A shoulder injury has also hampered the former Stuttgart player recently.

Top match at Bayern

According to kicker, Borussia expects Guirassy (four goals in five Bundesliga games, one each in the cup and Champions League) to return to training on Tuesday. The Westphalians will then begin preparations for Saturday evening’s Bundesliga top match at FC Bayern.

Facts and figures: FC Bayern’s record start at a glance

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Facts and figures: FC Bayern’s record start at a glance

FC Bayern Munich has survived the first six matchdays without dropping a point, and the Munich team is setting the standard in all statistics. Here are the records FCB has already set—and those that could still follow.

6-0 against Leipzig, 3-2 in Augsburg, 5-0 against HSV, 4-1 at TSG Hoffenheim, 4-0 against Bremen, and 3-0 in Frankfurt: Munich could hardly have dreamed of a better start to the league season. This is also confirmed by a glance at the Bundesliga history books, in which Vincent Kompany’s team has already made its mark several times early in the season.

What is the Bundesliga record for wins at the start of the season?

There has never been a better record than these six wins and 25:3 goals after the first six matchdays – the 25 goals scored alone are unique at such an early stage of the season. If FCB maintains its goal average of 4.2 per game over the entire 34 match days, it would have an incredible 142 goals at the end of the season. The previous record was 101 goals in the 1971/72 season – also set by the Munich team.

Bayern still need four more wins to set the start record, as they won all of their first ten games in the 2015/16 season. That record-breaking run ended with a goalless draw in Frankfurt.

Will Kane set a new record?

It is difficult to single out individual factors from the successful construct, but in the case of Harry Kane, it must undoubtedly be allowed. The Englishman is the first player ever to score 11 goals after six matchdays, making him not only the league’s current top scorer, but also threatening the Bundesliga’s all-time scoring record: Robert Lewandowski scored 41 times in 2020/21 – Kane’s current scoring rate would see him finish the season with an incredible 62 goals.

Whether at home or away, it doesn’t matter too much to the 32-year-old goal machine, who has scored seven times at the Allianz Arena and four times on the road. In terms of the team as a whole, three wins and a 15-0 goal difference after three home games is another Bundesliga first.

What records could FC Bayern break in the near future?

If Munich continue their run in their own stadium, they could equal VfL Bochum’s home record from the 2003/04 season on matchday 12: Kompany’s team have not conceded a goal at home in five games across two seasons, while Bochum kept nine clean sheets in a row at their own stadium over 20 years ago. The last away goal in Munich to date was scored by BVB defender Waldemar Anton in a 2-2 draw on matchday 29 of last season.

Much earlier, namely on the upcoming matchday, FCB could already set two other sole records: If the reigning champions were to lead at half-time in the top match against Dortmund (October 18, 6:30 p.m.), this would also be the case in the seventh league game since the start of the season – and thus just as often as in the 1999/00 season, when SC Freiburg started with seven consecutive half-time leads.

And speaking of Dortmund: in the direct duel with BVB, Munich has the opportunity to further extend its personal best of ten competitive wins since the start of the season. Ten years ago, the Black and Yellows even managed eleven consecutive wins in their first eleven competitive games. Bayern are also chasing BVB’s newly set Bundesliga record of ten consecutive halftime leads across two seasons, which came to an end with the 1-1 draw against Leipzig.

Bayern Munich collected 91 points in 2012/13

In terms of the season as a whole, there are basically no limits to the prospects after this strong start, so even the previously unbeatable 91-point mark from the 2012/13 season (29 wins, 4 draws, one defeat) can be considered achievable at this point in time.

Nevertheless, it is important not to overestimate the team’s performance so far and the accompanying start records. As the players and officials keep saying, the season is still long.

Bayern’s surprise national team debutant

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Bayern’s surprise national team debutant

Felipe Chavez has yet to make a competitive appearance for FC Bayern’s professional team, but he has already played for Peru’s senior national team.

For the twelfth time this season, Bayern’s surprise national team debutant

Felipe Chavez has yet to make a competitive appearance for FC Bayern’s professional team, but he has already played for Peru’s senior national team.

For the twelfth time this season, the UEFA Youth League is being held in parallel with the Champions League, and unlike Salzburg, Porto, and Piraeus, FC Bayern has not yet won the international youth tournament.

Felipe Chavez did a lot to help Bayern get past the round of 16 last season, but his goal in the knockout tie with Inter was not enough as they lost on penalties. The 18-year-old midfielder has already taken center stage on matchday one of this Youth League season, scoring twice as a left winger in the 3-2 opening defeat to Chelsea, once directly from a corner. Incidentally, the German-Peruvian missed two relatively close chances with long-range shots from his own half. Chavez does not lack confidence, as can be seen from his play and statistics. The rather offensive number eight finished the previous season with 18 goals and 13 assists in 35 appearances, spread across the Bavarian Regional League, the Youth League, and the U19 Bundesliga.

His professional debut followed in the summer, when Chavez was allowed to start alongside Tom Bischof in the double six in Bayern’s season dress rehearsal in Zurich. He played courageously and confidently, and once even sent a long-range shot from around 20 meters just over the goal after skillfully turning around his Zurich opponent Matteo Mantini. Chavez initiated Jonah Kusi-Asare’s 2-0 goal with his opening pass to Lennart Karl, who provided the assist. Chavez, whose father is Peruvian, came on as a substitute in the friendly match in Chile (1-2) on Saturday night (CET). He had already made the front page of the Peruvian daily newspaper “Libero” because he was one of four newcomers with Peruvian roots in the squad alongside Nuremberg’s Fabio Gruber.

“At first glance, Pippo’s nomination to the senior national team comes as a surprise, as he has only played for us in competitive matches in the regional league and the Youth League so far,” Jochen Sauer admits to kicker. However, the director of campus and youth development at FC Bayern also says: “He was largely convincing in both competitions.”

Left-footed Chavez’s shooting technique is particularly impressive. He often dribbles past one or two opponents in the penalty area before firing off a powerful shot, as he did recently when he scored the goal that made it 2-1 against Chelsea. “He needs to keep at it and continue to work hard,” says Sauer, “especially on his physical fitness, then he will certainly be one of the next candidates to make it in a professional league.”

After returning from Peru, Chavez is expected to rejoin the second team, but internally he is considered the next youngster to gain playing experience at a significantly higher level. As it is likely to be difficult for him to break into the professional team at first, a loan move could make sense for him, similar to Jonathan Asp Jensen (Zurich) or Maurice Krattenmacher (Hertha).

This season, the UEFA Youth League is being held in parallel with the Champions League, and unlike Salzburg, Porto, or Piraeus, FC Bayern has not yet won the international youth tournament.

Felipe Chavez did a lot to help Bayern get past the round of 16 last season, but his goal in the knockout tie with Inter was not enough due to the subsequent penalty shootout defeat. The 18-year-old midfielder has already taken center stage on matchday one of this Youth League season, scoring twice as a left winger in the 3-2 opening defeat to Chelsea, once directly from a corner. Incidentally, the German-Peruvian narrowly missed twice with long-range shots from his own half. Chavez does not lack confidence, as can be seen from his play and statistics. The rather offensive number eight finished the previous season with 18 goals and 13 assists in 35 appearances, spread across the Bavarian Regional League, the Youth League, and the U19 Bundesliga.

His professional debut followed in the summer, when Chavez was allowed to start alongside Tom Bischof in the double six in Bayern’s season dress rehearsal in Zurich. He played courageously and confidently, and once even sent a long-range shot from around 20 meters just over the goal after skillfully turning around his Zurich opponent Matteo Mantini. Chavez initiated Jonah Kusi-Asare’s 2-0 goal with his opening pass to Lennart Karl, who provided the assist. Chavez, whose father is Peruvian, came on as a substitute in the friendly match in Chile (1-2) on Saturday night (CET). He had already made the front page of the Peruvian daily newspaper “Libero” because he was one of four newcomers with Peruvian roots in the squad alongside Nuremberg’s Fabio Gruber.

“At first glance, Pippo’s nomination to the senior national team comes as a surprise, as he has only played for us in competitive matches in the regional league and the Youth League so far,” Jochen Sauer admits to kicker. However, the director of campus and youth development at FC Bayern also says: “He was largely convincing in both competitions.”

Left-footed Chavez’s shooting technique is particularly impressive. He often dribbles past one or two opponents in the penalty area before firing off a powerful shot, as he did recently when he scored the goal that made it 2-1 against Chelsea. “He needs to keep at it and continue to work hard,” says Sauer, “especially on his physical fitness, then he will certainly be one of the next candidates to make it in a professional league.”

After returning from Peru, Chavez is expected to rejoin the second team for now, but internally he is considered the next youngster to gain playing experience at a significantly higher level. Since that is likely to be difficult with the pros for the time being, a loan could make sense for him, similar to Jonathan Asp Jensen (Zurich) or Maurice Krattenmacher (Hertha).

Without Messi: Argentina struggles to a 1-0 win over Venezuela

Jason Maverick
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Without Messi: Argentina struggles to a 1-0 win over Venezuela

The World Cup qualifiers in South America are already in the books, so it’s time for test matches. World champions Argentina practiced without Lionel Messi in his adopted home of Miami.
Lionel Messi sat in the stands as world champions Argentina secured a hard-fought victory in a friendly against Venezuela on their way to the 2026 World Cup. Without their star player, the defending champions struggled to a 1-0 (1-0) win in Miami, Florida. The only goal in front of just 15,000 spectators at Hard Rock Stadium, the venue for next year’s mammoth World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico, was scored by Giovani Lo Celso from a pass by World Cup winner Lautaro Martinez (31′).

On Tuesday, Argentina, which finished the World Cup qualifiers in South America as the clear leader, will face Puerto Rico in another test match in Fort Lauderdale. The game was moved from Chicago to Florida at short notice. According to the organizers, the reason was unrest in the city, which is one of the scenes of the escalating dispute over the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids on immigrants and President Donald Trump’s planned deployment of the National Guard.

Balogun saves USA draw – Irankunda scores against Canada

World Cup hosts USA drew 1-1 (0-1) in a test match against Ecuador in Austin, Texas. Folarin Balogun of AS Monaco scored the equalizer (71′) for the team coached by Argentine Mauricio Pochettino. Enner Valencia had given the South Americans, who qualified for the World Cup in second place behind Argentina, the lead (24′).

Chile narrowly defeated Peru, led by Bayern Munich pro Felipe Chavez, 2-1. Australia held World Cup hosts Canada to a 1-0 defeat. The only goal of the game was scored by former Bayern player Nestory Irankunda (FC Watford).

Record world champions Brazil had already put South Korea in their place with a 5-0 win on Friday.

“I hate to hear that”: Barkley sharply criticizes Antetokounmpo

Phil Laffertey
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“I hate to hear that”: Barkley sharply criticizes Antetokounmpo

After many rumors surrounding a transfer, Giannis Antetokounmpo will play for the Milwaukee Bucks again next season. However, the Greek player has made his decision to stay contingent on sporting success. Sharp criticism has now come from NBA legend Charles Barkley.

After winning the title in 2021, the Milwaukee Bucks have moved further away from the NBA throne with each passing season. Superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, considered one of the most consistent players in the league, is particularly frustrated by the lack of success. In a recent interview, he hinted that he would leave the franchise if the season was once again unsuccessful.

NBA legend Charles Barkley expressed his disappointment with these statements to ESPN: “It’s unfortunate that he thinks he has to win an NBA title every year. Everyone wants that. And the Bucks have been doing everything they can for years to get back there,” said the 62-year-old, who was denied a title in his career.

“It disappoints me to hear, ‘If we don’t win the championship this year, I want to leave.’ I hate to hear that.”

Barkley went on to argue that the Milwaukee franchise has been willing to take action in recent years. First, they signed Damian Lillard, and now Myles Turner. “They’ve really tried everything possible to get the team back on the winning track. This attitude that he doesn’t feel like they’ve tried everything in their power? Man, they’ve done everything. Seriously, I wish someone loved me as much as the Bucks love Giannis.”

“Clarity without compromise”: How to sign new players in FM26

Sotd Editor
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“Clarity without compromise”: How to sign new players in FM26

Signing and selling players is set to become clearer—and more realistic—in Football Manager 26. To achieve this, Sports Interactive is building a real network platform for transfers.

The new user interface for transfers in Football Manager 26 is designed to offer “clarity without compromise.” To this end, Sports Interactive is building a “recruitment hub” that brings together various functions in one place that were previously scattered throughout FM.

The “recruitment targets” are intended to clearly present the requirements of the board and the fans. A quick link to squad planning allows you to identify urgent personnel needs – where does your team lack depth and quality?

The developer also provides a visual aid to keep track of existing player contracts. Players whose contracts are due to expire in less than twelve months are highlighted. This allows you to immediately see which professionals need to be dealt with.

“Requirements” and “Pitch Opportunities”

Probably the biggest innovation is the expansion of the partnership with TransferRoom. A networking platform for real clubs, players, and agents, which, according to the website, is trusted by “the decision-makers” of renowned clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, Paris St. Germain, and Liverpool FC.

The cooperation with TransferRoom began in FM24, but is now being expanded with two new features: “Requests” and “Pitch Opportunities.”

Need something? Place an ad!

“Requests” allow you to share your personnel needs directly with all other virtual clubs in the game. When creating an ad, you can specify which positions and player roles you are looking for—with and without the ball.

Additional settings options include expected playing time, type of transfer, and age profile. The ad will be displayed to all other clubs, who can then contact you with suitable players and offers.

The sporting director will present you with the responses and make suggestions as to which of the professionals on offer could actually strengthen your team. You can then contact their agents or scout them yourself again—right up to the final negotiations.

Where are other clubs struggling?

“Pitch opportunities” are the reverse: you can see what other clubs need and whether there is a player in your own squad that you would like to transfer. The needs of your competitors can be filtered by permanent transfers and loans.

If there is a match, you can offer the professional player directly to the respective club.
The “Pitch Activity” tab gives you an overview of all the players you have offered—and all the bids that have landed on your digital desk.

Smarter scouting thanks to AI?

The distinction between player roles with and without the ball is not only relevant in TransferRoom, but also in scouting. In Football Manager 26, you can set corresponding priorities, which are now more clearly organized thanks to color coding.
Scouting reports and advice are set to become even smarter thanks to AI, as your coaching team will let you know when a player they’ve been watching is a perfect fit for your system. Further improvements are in store under the hood – you can find the deep dive here.

Rovanperä’s crazy switch: World Rally Champion wants to move to Formula 1!

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Rovanperä’s crazy switch: World Rally Champion wants to move to Formula 1!

⁠Kalle Rovanperä surprised everyone with his announcement that he will no longer be competing in the World Rally Championship in 2026, but will instead be driving in Super Formula – what awaits him and where he wants to go

On Thursday this week, Kalle Rovanperä surprised the motorsport world with the announcement of his bold plan to leave rallying after the current 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) season and switch to formula racing on a full-time basis.

With the support of Toyota, Rovanperä will compete in Super Formula in Japan next year. His goal is to move up to Formula 2 as early as 2027. In 2026, the two-time World Rally Champion, who is also the youngest World Rally Champion in history, will compete in his first races in formula racing. In 2024, the now 25-year-old Finn made his debut in circuit racing in the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux, where he scored three victories.

Rovanperä tried out a formula car for the first time last year when he tested both a Formula 4 and a Formula 3.5 car at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria. He then completed a test in a Formula 1 car, a Red Bull RB8 from the 2012 season.

Looking ahead to 2026, Rovanperä admits that he will have to overcome both mental and physical challenges in Super Formula. It has not yet been announced which team he will be racing for in Japan’s top formula racing series. What is clear is that it will be one of the Toyota teams in the field.

“I think jumping straight into Super Formula is a leap into the deep end,” says Rovanperä, explaining: “The cars are not far behind Formula 1 cars. They are much faster than Formula 2. So there are a few things I need to get used to. One of them is racing. I have to learn how to control the car and the tires and how to drive close behind each other.“

”Of course, there’s also the physical side, which is completely different from the demands of rallying. I only have this winter to prepare my body and everything else and get used to these cars. The G-forces and cornering speeds are so different from anything I’ve driven before,“ says the 25-year-old, who knows: ”There’s definitely still a lot of work to be done in many of these areas.”

Rovanperä notes that he is not setting any specific time frames or goals for his plan to move up in formula racing. However, he hints that his ultimate goal is Formula 1. “The plan for the coming years is to first gain a foothold in formula racing. I’m basically starting from scratch,” he says. “In the beginning, it will take a long time for me to get up to speed and build up my racing instincts and everything else. Of course, there are many opportunities in circuit racing, and naturally, the plan is constantly evolving.“

”The plan is to achieve good results and work extremely hard to achieve those results. I don’t have a schedule for where I should be and when. I should just focus on each season individually, work hard, and improve. And if I deliver the results, then anything is possible,”
says Rovanperä. “The plan for the coming years is to first gain a foothold in formula racing. I’m practically starting from scratch,” he says. “In the beginning, it will take a long time to get up to speed and build up my racing instincts and everything else. Of course, there are many possibilities in circuit racing, and of course, the plan is constantly evolving.”

“The plan is to achieve good results and work extremely hard to achieve those results. I don’t have a schedule for when I should be where. I should just focus on each season individually, work hard, and improve. And if I deliver the results, then anything is possible,” said Rovanperä.

Ducati confirms: Test rider Michele Pirro to replace Marc Marquez in Australia

Jason Maverick
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Ducati confirms: Test rider Michele Pirro to replace Marc Marquez in Australia

Marc Marquez to miss two MotoGP races due to shoulder injury – Ducati confirms Michele Pirro for Australia – Malaysia race still undecided

MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez will have to sit out the next two race weekends at Phillip Island (Australia) and Sepang (Malaysia). The Ducati factory rider injured his right shoulder in an accident caused by Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia) at the Indonesian Grand Prix.

After several medical examinations at the Hospital Ruber Internacional in Madrid, it was determined that the Spanish rider had suffered a fracture at the base of the coracoid process and a ligament injury to his right shoulder.

The coracoid process is a small, hook-shaped bony protrusion of the shoulder blade (scapula) that extends forward and sideways and resembles a raven’s beak. It serves as an attachment point for important muscles and ligaments.

Clinical examination and radiological evaluation ruled out any connection with previous injuries and also confirmed that there was no significant bone displacement.

The medical team therefore decided on conservative treatment with rest and immobilization of the affected shoulder until the fracture has completely healed and is clinically stable. Marquez remains in Madrid to recover. Ducati has now confirmed that test rider Michele Pirro will replace the new world champion in Australia. For the 39-year-old Italian, who has been a test rider since 2013, this will be his 70th MotoGP race with Ducati.

Because Ducati is not allowed to register wildcards due to concessions, Pirro has only competed in one race in the past two years. At the 2024 season finale, he replaced Fabio Di Giannantonio in the VR46 team in Barcelona because “Diggia” underwent shoulder surgery.

Pirro is gaining racing experience in the Italian Superbike Championship (CIV). In 2024, he won the championship title in the top class for the seventh time. This year, he lost to Alessandro Delbianco and finished as runner-up. Ducati has so far only confirmed Pirro as a replacement rider for Marquez in Australia, but not yet for Malaysia.

Ducati GP26 for Gresini: Why VR46 rejected the second factory bike

Lesley Summerville
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Ducati GP26 for Gresini: Why VR46 rejected the second factory bike

Ducati to increase the number of factory bikes to four in 2026 – VR46 rejects the second Ducati factory bike – Gresini and Alex Marquez benefit from the decision

In the ourceURL:about:four instead of three current factory bikes. After the summer break, the plans took shape. Since this year, VR46 has been the official factory-supported satellite team, while Gresini remains a private team. Nevertheless, Gresini has access to all data, but additional Ducati engineers work in the VR46 pit.

Finally, after many discussions, the decision was made that Alex Marquez will get the fourth GP26 in the Gresini team next year and not VR46 for Franco Morbidelli. Both teams will receive one GP26 and one GP25 each.

“We will have a factory bike for Di Giannantonio, which is the GP26, and a 2025 factory bike for Franco,” VR46 team manager Pablo Nieto confirmed to MotoGP.com. “We are continuing with our previous plan.”

The former 125cc class racer also revealed: “We had the option of taking the new bike for Franco as well, but we decided against it. That’s why Ducati gave this bike to Gresini.”

The Gresini team was delighted with the technical upgrade, as it means that next year Alex Marquez will be riding the same bike as his older brother Marc Marquez in the factory team. This is also recognition for his strong season so far.

“Yes, absolutely deserved,” says Gresini team manager Michele Masini at MotoGP.com. “I’m really proud of his performance, Alex’s commitment and his results this season, but also of the work of the entire team.”

“I think that since 2022, we have improved continuously year after year, with each season better than the last. I’m really proud of that.“ Alex Marquez has an excellent chance of finishing the season as runner-up in the world championship. What does Masini say about Nieto’s statement that Gresini will only get the GP26 because VR46 turned down a second GP26? ”It’s not up to me to speak for VR46. It’s better to talk to Ducati about that. I think Gresini has had a great season.“

Why VR46 is foregoing a second GP26

There is a reason why VR46 has turned down a second GP26. ”The goal is always to have two identical bikes, of course, because it makes our work much easier,” says Nieto. “Of course, we wanted two identical bikes, but you also have to understand that this project depends on the budget and many other factors.”

“Obviously, the cost of two factory bikes is a little higher for the team – that’s clear. That’s the crucial point. We would like to have two identical factory bikes, but at the moment we have to work with what we have available.”

“Of course, we can also work with different bikes. I think we’re doing really well in that regard. The difference between the two bikes is obviously there, but it’s not as big as it normally is between two specifications.”

The step from the GP23 to the GP24 was big, but the one between the GP24 and GP25 was much smaller. And since engine development has been frozen, the GP26 is expected to be very similar to the GP25.

In addition to the financial aspect, this also played a role in VR46’s decision. “For example, the jump from the 23 to the 24 was enormous—the bike was completely different, it was a much bigger step,” Nieto told MotoGP.com.

“There are differences between the 24 and the 25, but they are not that significant. That’s why it doesn’t make sense to change it. And that’s exactly why we decided to stick with this approach – because the difference between 26 and 25 is unlikely to be that big either.”

Nevertheless, Francesco Bagnaia and Fabio Di Giannantonio in particular had difficulties fully realizing the potential of the GP25 this year. So is it an advantage for Ducati to have four factory bikes instead of three next year?

“Good question,” Nieto ponders. “To be honest, I don’t know—it could be. Because, in the end, an extra bike on the track naturally means more information for Ducati to work with.”

“At the same time, however, it’s clear that the 27 will be a different bike. Nevertheless, there are many elements that can be adopted and used on both bikes. That means you can also make progress with it and see how development continues.”

Gresini has practically already won this year’s duel between the two Ducati satellite teams. In the team standings, the racing team is on course for second place in the World Championship, while VR46 is in third place.

Niki Awards: Toto Wolff, Gerhard Berger, and Helmut Marko honored

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Niki Awards: Toto Wolff, Gerhard Berger, and Helmut Marko honored

Toto Wolff, Gerhard Berger, and Helmut Marko also received awards at the Sports Personality of the Year ceremony in Austria on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, the best athletes of 2025 were honored in Austria. At the Niki Awards, named after three-time Formula 1 world champion Niki Lauda, motorsport greats Toto Wolff, Gerhard Berger, and Helmut Marko were also delighted to receive one of a total of twelve awards.

The three Austrians jointly received the “Special Award,” which was presented by Lauda’s sons Mathias and Lukas at the award ceremony in Vienna’s Stadthalle. According to the official description, the “Special Award” is “presented to sports legends who have made an impression through their careers or extraordinary comebacks.”

Lauda himself received this award in 2006, and now, 19 years later, his three companions have received it too. Toto Wolff explains: “Niki Lauda was not only one of the most important athletes of his time, but also a straightforward and unyielding personality.”

“Above all, he was my friend, with whom I shared a close and special friendship in which we experienced many ups and downs,” said the Mercedes team boss, who worked side by side with his compatriot at Silver Arrows for many years.

“His will to live, his clarity, and his resilience will forever remain a benchmark for strength and resilience for me,” the Kleine Zeitung quotes Wolff as saying. Berger adds: “Receiving an award is always something special—especially in your home country and even more so when the trophy is named after our Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda.”

And Helmut Marko explains: “Niki created his own image with his clear and sometimes brash statements. He always backed everything up with technical expertise and profound knowledge and simply didn’t talk nonsense.”

“The award means a lot to me because of Niki Lauda as a person. I first met him in the late 1960s. We were competitors, but we always got along well. In Formula 1, he was always my favorite breakfast partner,” says Marko. Meanwhile, ski jumper Daniel Tschofenig was named Sportsman of the Year, and ski racer Stephanie Venier was named Sportswoman of the Year. The men’s national ice hockey team was voted Team of the Year.

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