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Ott Tänak surprises with car change: Switch to old Rally1 model

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Ott Tänak surprises with car change: Switch to old Rally1 model

Hyundai is struggling with its new car, Ott Tänak is fighting for the title: The Estonian is now relying on the model that gives him more confidence

Ott Tänak will be using an older model of the Hyundai i20 Rally1 at this week’s Central European Rally. The 2019 World Rally Champion considers this version to be more suitable. The decision was made after a comparison test between the 2025 car and last year’s model, which is being used without a hybrid unit this season. The test took place after last month’s Rally Chile.

Hyundai is struggling to fully exploit the potential of the heavily revised 2025 car this season. The new specification caused a number of problems, particularly during its first asphalt outing in the Canary Islands in April.

Tänak has now stated ahead of the three-country rally in Germany, Austria, and Czechia that he feels much more comfortable in the 2024 car. This specification was already used at the season opener in Monte Carlo.

Neuville and Fourmaux with new damper struts

Tänak enjoys unusually much leeway in terms of setup ahead of the next race. Hyundai has decided not to nominate the Estonian as a points-scoring driver for the manufacturers’ championship in the remaining rallies. This allows Tänak to take advantage of the sporting regulations and install a new engine after his quota was exhausted in Chile—without risking a five-minute time penalty.

With Tänak trailing Toyota driver Sebastien Ogier by 43 points, he remains Hyundai’s only hope in the fight for the drivers’ title, and the team has stated that the focus will clearly be on him in the coming week. His teammates Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux, on the other hand, will be using the fully evolved version of the 2025 Hyundai i20 N Rally1. Both drivers will compete with new damper struts.
“We are fully focused on the title fight and are battling for every point. To provide Ott and Martin [Järveoja, co-driver] with the best possible support, we are utilizing the leeway within the regulations,” explains Hyundai team boss Cyril Abiteboul.

Development of the 2025 car continues

“As they are no longer nominated for manufacturer points, we were able to use a new engine without incurring a time penalty. Ott and Martin are returning to the Monte specification of the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 for this event after feeling more comfortable in the car during testing.”

“At the same time, we are continuing to push forward with the development of the 2025 Evo car. Thierry and Adrien will receive damper updates for the coming weekend. Their focus is on further developing these technical innovations for Rally Japan and the future.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming event, Tänak said: “We have driven Rally Central Europe several times now, so we know what to expect. This rally is very dependent on the weather. There are many cuts, and the roads quickly become very dirty.”

“The further back you are in the starting order, the more surprises await you—every car carries extra dirt onto the track. Driving style also plays a big role, as grip levels change significantly, especially in the rain. Experience is crucial here. We are still in the title race, so a top performance is absolutely crucial.”

Ferrari CEO calls on Formula 1 team to deliver: “We have to win”

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Ferrari CEO calls on Formula 1 team to deliver: “We have to win”

While Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna wants to celebrate titles in Formula 1 again, Ferrari shares plummeted on the stock markets last week.

Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna has reaffirmed the manufacturer’s ambition to finally end its long title drought in Formula 1 after the company presented its economic goals at its “Capital Markets Day.”

The Italian racing team, historically the most successful team in Formula 1, has not won a constructors’ title in the premier class since 2008. The last drivers’ title dates back to 2007, when Kimi Räikkönen became world champion.

Ferrari is currently enjoying great success in other major racing series. The factory team leads the 2025 World Endurance Championship (WEC) and has also won the last three editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This topic came up last Thursday during “Capital Markets Day,” an event where a company presents its long-term strategies and financial goals. “Last time, we committed ourselves to winning races,” Vigna said, explaining: “We have succeeded in doing so with the 499P in endurance racing, but we need to improve in Formula 1. We have to win. We owe it to our loyal fans around the world.”

Ferrari “a personal matter” for Elkann

The event gave Ferrari the opportunity to present its vision for both racing and the automotive sector. The Italians announced that they expect revenues of €7.1 billion this year, rising to €9 billion by 2030, with adjusted profits of at least €3.6 billion.

Ferrari Chairman John Elkann explained: “Ferrari is unique in three dimensions: tradition, technology, and racing. The perfect combination of these three souls defines Ferrari. Racing, a story that began on the track almost 100 years ago, determines who we are.”

“I want to make this very clear: this is a personal matter for me. My commitment is as president, as majority shareholder, and above all as someone who has been passionately involved with Ferrari throughout his life,“ said Elkann. ”I am committed to ensuring that every decision we make strengthens the uniqueness of Ferrari. I stand by our employees, whose talent and dedication are the greatest guarantee for our future. I stand by our beloved Ferrari drivers, who entrust us with their dreams.“

”And I stand by our loyal fans, who eagerly await seeing us win in Formula 1, just as we do in endurance racing. We proudly brought home the Le Mans trophy after three consecutive victories. “

Ferrari shares plummet on the stock markets

Despite the ambitious plans, the expected profits are below the growth target that Ferrari had set in 2022, leading to the worst day ever for the Italians on the stock markets in Europe and the US.

Ferrari shares fell 15 percent on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), marking the biggest daily loss since its IPO in 2015, and more than 14 percent in Milan.

It was the worst slump since the initial listing in Italy in early 2016, on the very day Ferrari unveiled the technology for its first electric car, which is set to debut next year.

“People had expected higher sales, that’s clear,” Vigna said at a subsequent press conference, “but I think it’s important that we deliver on what we say. We can’t make promises we can’t keep.“ ”I believe the market understands that. And I think people also see the opportunities. But we also have to be careful when we take advantage of them,” said Vigna.

Important “translator”: How Dovizioso also supports Quartararo at Yamaha

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Important “translator”: How Dovizioso also supports Quartararo at Yamaha

Andrea Dovizioso plays an important role at Yamaha—he helps Fabio Quartararo convey his feedback to the engineers in a precise manner—experience is key

With his experience and analytical approach, Andrea Dovizioso has become an important factor in Yamaha’s development program.
The three-time MotoGP runner-up provides feedback to the engineers during the development of the new V4 motorcycle, and Dovizioso also provides support on race weekends, especially for Fabio Quartararo. The former world champion made minor changes to communication in his pit in early summer.
Dovizioso is also present at many races, listens attentively, and can also provide clarity to the engineers if Quartararo has not expressed himself precisely. “To put it in a nutshell, he’s a kind of translator,” “His support is very, very helpful. He can listen to the rider and sometimes translate his feelings for the engineers.”

“You know, sometimes a rider doesn’t want to listen to the opinion of another rider or ex-rider. With Andrea, it’s completely different. Both riders have asked for Andrea to be in the pit much more often.”

“He is very analytical and can evaluate the data like an engineer. He brings a wealth of experience and told them: If you want and accept my comments, I will try to pass on my experience to you. And that’s exactly what happened.”

Dovizioso rode the M1 in the Tech3 team in 2012 before moving to Ducati for eight years. After this collaboration ended, he took a year’s break.
In the fall of 2021, an opportunity arose in the Yamaha satellite team Petronas-SRT. Based on his experience in 2012, the Italian wanted to give Yamaha another try. But it wasn’t a success. Before the end of the 2022 season, Dovizioso announced his retirement and has not raced in MotoGP since.

He remained on friendly terms with Yamaha. Max Bartolini, whom Dovizioso knows very well from his time at Ducati, is now the technical director. In the summer of 2024, he tested for Yamaha again and decided to join the project.

Dovizioso a “driving engineer”

Dovizioso’s contract as a test rider has been extended until 2027. The development of the V4 motorcycle and the model for the 2027 regulations will be significantly influenced by his feedback. He is also the official performance analyst for the regular riders.

Dovizioso no longer wants to race. Augusto Fernandez will take over wildcards and substitute rider duties. Dovizioso is basically a “driving engineer” in his role. “Yes, maybe,” says Meregalli. “It’s something in between. But he can really take on that role.”

“For example, he’s now teaching Augusto a few things. Ultimately, you have to make the transition from active rider to test rider. Young riders first have to internalize this change. Andrea explains this to Augusto too.“

”They’re used to always pushing 100 percent.” But in a test, for example, you only have to go 90 percent to the limit. “Or even less, but very consistently,” confirms Meregalli. “The collaboration with Andrea is working very well.”

“If there is a wildcard entry, Andrea will support the team. We also always test with both riders in parallel. We don’t want just one perspective, one direction. That’s why Andrea and Augusto always test the same things to compare results.”

“Our goal is to get a clearer picture of the right development path.” This is also necessary because Yamaha is expected to finish the 2025 MotoGP season in fifth and last place. Honda already has a 46-point lead in the world championship.

Becker sharply criticizes Zverev

Sotd Editor
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Becker sharply criticizes Zverev

Alexander Zverev is currently not excelling either in his sport or with his statements. Boris Becker is appalled.
Alexander Zverev has once again experienced an early exit from the Shanghai Masters. Tennis legend Boris Becker does not hold back with his criticism.

“I actually thought in the summer that his performance was better after his break following Wimbledon. Then the US Open was disappointing,” Becker said on the Becker Petkovic podcast. The disappointment in New York was followed by a series of defeats. “We can explain all of that, but honestly, world-class looks different.”

A month after the US Open, Zverev lost his only match in the Laver Cup. This was followed by a defeat in the quarterfinals in Beijing against Daniil Medvedev, “not to mention his nemesis.” And now, after the incidents at Wimbledon, Arthur Rinderknech triumphed over him again at the Shanghai Masters.

Instead of Zverev, Novak Djokovic advanced to the semifinals. A surprise for Becker: “He’s really struggling to find his form right now.”

Becker appalled by Zverev’s statements

But that’s not all. Becker is also appalled by the German’s statements that tournament directors would prefer a final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, and are therefore slowing down the surface and adjusting the match schedule accordingly.

A month after the US Open, Zverev lost his only match in the Laver Cup. This was followed by a defeat in the quarterfinals in Beijing against Daniil Medvedev, “not to mention his nemesis.” And now, after the incidents at Wimbledon, Arthur Rinderknech triumphed over him again at the Shanghai Masters.

Alexander Zverev suffers one defeat after another
Alexander Zverev suffers one defeat after another

Instead of Zverev, Novak Djokovic advanced to the semifinals. A surprise for Becker: “He’s really struggling to find his form right now.”

Becker appalled by Zverev’s statements

But that’s not all. Becker is also appalled by the German’s comments that tournament directors would prefer a final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, and would therefore slow down the surface and adjust the match schedule accordingly.

In Becker’s opinion, a debriefing would be important. He should be told: “Sascha, you are entitled to your opinion, but what you have just said is factually incorrect.”

Don’t blame others

This statement was also backed up by podcast partner Andrea Petkovic, who explained that Sinner and Alcaraz had also been in the finals in Cincinnati and at the US Open in New York—on the fastest surfaces of the ATP Tour and the Grand Slams, respectively.

For Becker, it’s clear: instead of making false claims, Zverev needs to “focus on himself, on his own strengths, on how he can get healthy again, and on how he can continue to improve athletically.”

According to Becker, Zverev is “currently taking two steps back rather than one step forward. Sinner is not to blame for this, nor is Alcaraz, nor is a tournament director. He alone is responsible for his victories and defeats.”

He continued: “I hope he pulls himself together and finds the solution to his problems. He is very self-critical, which is commendable, but I don’t think he’s saying what the problem is and what he needs to improve. For me, that’s the next step, but we’ve been discussing it for weeks and months. I don’t see any improvement at the moment.”

Irvine and St. Pauli: Can the once-perfect marriage be saved?

Jeffrey Gooding
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Irvine and St. Pauli: Can the once-perfect marriage be saved?

The long-standing model marriage between FC St. Pauli and Jackson Irvine has already come to an end since the captain posted questionable comments about the Middle East conflict in the summer. The 32-year-old has now spoken out again for the first time in his native Australia—once again without saying anything clear.

St. Pauli officials had already planned to issue a statement in the summer. During the training camp in Flachau, Austria, Irvine was given the opportunity to distance himself in a prepared interview with the media, particularly from the published photo in which he is wearing a jersey of the fictional FC Palestine. The jersey featured a map that did not include Israel. The fact that the Australian did not make a clear statement at the time, contrary to the briefing, but merely assumed the role of victim, was noted with irritation within the club. Until a post on Instagram by supervisory board member René Born two weeks ago, however, the issue had been simmering away, mainly on social media. Now the question is whether the blaze can still be extinguished. And above all: how?

“Everyone shares our outrage and disappointment”

Born may have made an unprecedented misstep in his role as a supervisory board member with his post (“No one is bigger than the club. This is our club, not yours”), but he clearly struck a chord with many St. Pauli fans with its content. Irvine’s public stance on the Middle East conflict has become a test of endurance for the club. In a TV interview with ABC News over the weekend, he once again avoided taking a clear position.

Irvine says Born’s post was “hard” for him and his wife Jemilla Pir. “We have been part of this community for over four years and have built many relationships in all corners of the city. Hearing something like that from a person in this position was, of course, deeply hurtful.” He reports receiving a lot of support in the interview: “What we are focusing on more is the high level of support from fans, from people in our community. We live in the heart of St. Pauli, we are part of this community. Everyone we have spoken to shares our disappointment and outrage and supports us. We feel love and support from the people around us and that is the most important thing.”

The captain, who is still recovering from foot surgery, avoids the source of the discussions surrounding him, saying he does not want to talk about the “official aspect.” “Most people who have followed my story over the past few months know why this happened. It’s about much deeper things, far removed from soccer.”

These are “things” that Irvine once again leaves hanging in the air in this interview. The result: instead of giving clear answers, even after his statements in his native Australia, question marks remain. The biggest one is about his future. It should be noted that the long-time fan favorite is not the type of soccer player who naively and recklessly fell into a trap. Instead, he has now missed the opportunity to distance himself from his posts in his second public appearance. “I hope the matter will be resolved,” he says. “It’s not something you want to deal with, especially when you’re coming back from an injury.” What he doesn’t say at this point is that these are “things” he himself has triggered.

“… but Jona is perhaps the better defender.”

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“… but Jona is perhaps the better defender.”

Nico Schlotterbeck is back in the DFB team—and immediately back in the starting lineup. Ahead of the important World Cup qualifier in Northern Ireland, the 25-year-old spoke about his return to the national team and his teammate Jonathan Tah.

It would perhaps be an exaggeration to talk about time-wasting. However, the DFB defense did not have to fulfill its original defensive role on Friday against Luxembourg (4-0), as the game in Sinsheim was too one-sided. When the German team meets Northern Ireland at Windsor Park in Belfast on Monday, this scenario is unlikely to be repeated. After their 2-0 win over Slovakia, the hosts can dream of World Cup qualification, as they have six points to their name after three games, just like the Germans and Slovaks.

For the DFB team, this means that a slip-up is absolutely forbidden in front of the atmospheric backdrop of the 18,000-capacity stadium, 850 of whom will be supporting the German team. In the event of a defeat, national coach Julian Nagelsmann’s team would no longer have victory in Group A in their own hands ahead of the final games in Luxembourg and against Slovakia. A draw would give Slovakia the chance to climb back to the top of the table with a win against Luxembourg.

One player who will be looking to ensure that Germany’s opponents are kept at bay, as they were on Friday, is Nico Schlotterbeck. The Dortmund defender, who made his 45-minute comeback for Germany against Luxembourg after a six-month injury break, will once again form the central defense alongside Jonathan Tah. There, he will not only be tasked with intercepting what are likely to be numerous long balls from the Northern Irish, but also with setting the tone in his own team’s build-up play.

Schlotterbeck: “I’m fit and in better shape than ever”

“Nico gives us outstanding build-up play, a great will to win and, finally, a left foot at the back again,” said Nagelsmann ahead of the October training camp, for which he immediately nominated Schlotterbeck despite his lack of playing time for his club Borussia Dortmund – and also sent him straight back into the starting line-up against Luxembourg. “We’re glad he’s back.”

The same applies to the ambitious Schlotterbeck: “I’m doing very well. I’ve had five and a half months to prepare for the many games. I’m as fit and well-trained as I’ve rarely been before,” he said on Sunday in Belfast at the press conference ahead of the game, which also appeals to him because of the special atmosphere: “As a soccer player, you wait for games like this. I know it from Dortmund, where there are 80,000 people in the stadium every two weeks. Here there are a little fewer, but they are just as loud. We are up for it and want to keep going to stay in first place in the group.”

For Schlotterbeck, the DFB appearances are also about very personal goals. In the absence of the injured Antonio Rüdiger, the Dortmund player can establish himself in the German defense. Especially since Nagelsmann values not only Schlotterbeck himself, but also his combination with Tah. “I was very happy with Schlotti and also with Jona against Luxembourg,” said the national coach on Sunday, giving an insight into what he expects from his central defenders: “We talk a lot about the chain. There are many phases where they need to be active, with the ball, but also when the opponent has possession.“ Schlotterbeck is also a fan of the pairing: ”I’ve known Jona for a few years now and I’m always happy when I get to play with him. We complement each other well,“ said the left-footed player about his current teammate in the national team – adding with a smile: ”For me, the topic of the ball is even more interesting than for him, but he is perhaps the better defender.” Unlike on Friday against Luxembourg, both qualities are likely to be important on Monday in the heated atmosphere of Windsor Park.

After Palace drama: UEFA plans rule reform

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After Palace drama: UEFA plans rule reform

According to a media report, UEFA wants to make its multi-club ownership rules more flexible. The background to this is the summer controversy surrounding Crystal Palace.

In ten days’ time, Crystal Palace will be looking to win their second game in the Conference League group stage when they host AEK Larnaca. However, there are sure to be a few fans who will be watching another game with envy: Nottingham Forest are hosting FC Porto in the Europa League, which Palace had originally qualified for, unlike Forest.

However, because the London club had violated UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules, they were relegated to the Conference League, while Nottingham will start in the more lucrative Europa League. This decision by the European football association, which was later confirmed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), sparked numerous protests – and apparently cannot be repeated in this form.

The March deadline is to be relaxed

According to The Guardian, UEFA plans to relax its requirements. In the previous season, all clubs whose owners were also involved in another club had to take measures for temporary unbundling by March 1 in order to be able to participate in the same European cup from the summer onwards in case of doubt. Palace missed this deadline, partly because it was still some way off its surprise FA Cup triumph at the time. John Textor was still co-owner of the Eagles at the time, but also had a say at Europa League qualifiers Olympique Lyon, who were ultimately allowed to start in the Europa League due to their higher league position.

According to the report, UEFA intends to stick to the deadline in principle. Until then, however, clubs will only have to report any potential problems with the multi-club ownership rules before they are given until the beginning of June to resolve them. This was discussed last week at the meeting of the European Football Clubs (EFC), formerly ECA, in Rome.

The classic approach, which has been successfully used in the past by the owners of Manchester City and FC Girona, for example, is to transfer shares to a blind trust, even if not everyone sees this as a sensible measure to sufficiently reduce influence on two clubs and thus maintain the integrity of competition.

Norway nominates Cologne’s Sebulonsen

Lesley Summerville
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Norway nominates Cologne’s Sebulonsen

⁠With a 5-0 win in Israel, Norway secured first place in Qualifying Group I—and can now relax ahead of their upcoming friendly against New Zealand. This could be a very special occasion for Cologne’s Sebastian Sebulonsen.

As announced by 1. FC Köln, Sebastian Sebulonsen was nominated for the Norwegian national team on Sunday. For the winger, the call-up is also a reward for his performances at Effzeh.

The 25-year-old joined the cathedral city club in the summer from Bröndby IF, where he had become an undisputed regular, and immediately became a regular for the promoted team. Sebulonsen was in the starting lineup for all six Bundesliga games as well as the 2-1 cup win at SSV Jahn Regensburg – overall, His performances did not go unnoticed by national coach Stale Solbakken, who has now rewarded the attacking player. He has never played for Norway’s senior national team, but he has already made 19 international appearances for the Scandinavians’ U21 team, scoring one goal.

No Haaland – and good prospects for Norway

However, Sebulonsen will not be playing alongside Erling Haaland, the star striker from Manchester City, who scored a hat trick against Israel (5-0) and is being rested. That is why he left the national team early.

Norway is currently in excellent form, having won nine games in a row and leading Qualifying Group I with 18 points and a goal difference of +26, well ahead of Italy (12 points, goal difference: +7). On November 13, Norway can secure direct qualification when they first face already-eliminated Estonia at home, before the final showdown in Italy three days later.

The Squadra Azzurra still has the game against Israel coming up next Tuesday and could theoretically draw level with Norway on points, but the four-time world champions would have to make up 19 goals compared to the Northern Europeans – no easy task and a clear advantage for Norway.

Thanks to a mega start: Bayern remains flawless in the Bundesliga

Jeffrey Gooding
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Thanks to a mega start: Bayern remains flawless in the Bundesliga

There is still no stopping FC Bayern in the Bundesliga. In their match against former serial champions Bamberg, FCBB secured their third victory in their third game. The only downside is the suspected injury to another playmaker.

After Thursday’s disastrous EuroLeague game against Red Star Belgrade, Bayern was eager to make amends. Already in the first quarter, they raced ahead of an overwhelmed Bamberg team by 19 points.

After the lead had exceeded 20 points in the second quarter, Bamberg coach Anton Gavel called a timeout and questioned his players’ mentality. They did indeed respond, with an 11-0 run bringing the visitors back to within ten points before halftime.

After the break, the Franconians remained confident and repeatedly reduced the deficit to less than ten points. Four quick points from Ensminger made the Bayern fans nervous again (66:61). In the final quarter, however, the hosts’ offensive machine was running smoothly again. This meant that the outcome was clear minutes before the end.

Munich’s top scorer was once again Andreas Obst, who hit 5/9 three-pointers and finished the game with 21 points. Bamberg’s Cobe Williams also scored the same number of points.

However, the joy of victory was dampened around three minutes before the end when Bayern’s point guard Stefan Jovic landed on an opponent’s foot. The Serbian left the game early. A diagnosis is still pending.

ESL Impact at an end: Largest CS2 league for women ceases operations

Jeffrey Gooding
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ESL Impact at an end: Largest CS2 league for women ceases operations

ESL Impact is facing closure, despite being the most important anchor for the women’s scene in Counter-Strike 2. What happens next is uncertain.

Under the motto “All Women. All in!”, the ESL Impact homepage still promotes the women’s league. The eighth season is currently underway: until November 30, the teams will compete for a total prize pool of €250,000. After that, however, it will be over for the time being.

Declining viewership, growing doubts

“We have made the incredibly difficult decision to suspend the ESL Impact League after season 8,” begins the statement, which has caused great disappointment in the community. Since 2022, the league has provided a platform for women in the Counter-Strike 2 scene.

However, the end does not come as a complete surprise. Last year, the league had already discontinued isolated events such as ESL Impact Katowice, and at the beginning of this year, more and more organizations withdrew from the scene.

The reason for the end of the league is clearly stated: “Despite significant investment, the current economic model is simply not sustainable.” After season 4, in which up to 32,000 viewers watched the final, interest has declined. A year later, that number had fallen to just 15,500. However, the Season 7 finals once again approached the all-time high set in the first season: The ESL Impact decision took place shortly before IEM Dallas, one of the biggest CS2 events ever, and entertained more than 100,000 viewers.

Between uncertainty and a new beginning

ESL Impact is considered a cornerstone of the women’s CS2 scene. It has created structures, enabled professional careers, and even successfully opened doors: Imperial FE became the first women’s team ever to participate in the play-ins for IEM Katowice.

After the initial shock, players, organizations, and other players in the CS scene are now working together to find ways to save the structure or at least keep it alive. The first community-driven projects and tournaments have already emerged, some even in cooperation with well-known esports teams such as Team Vitality. It remains to be seen whether they can fill the gap left behind.

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