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The opening round of the World Endurance Championship (WEC), the Qatar 1812km, was on Tuesday postponed “in light of the current and evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East,” the organisers announced. The 1812km had been scheduled for March 26-28 at the Lusail International Circuit. The endurance season will now begin with the Six Hours of Imola in Italy from April 17 to 19, the statement said. The eight-round season includes the 24-hour race at Le Mans in June. In a statement organisers said: “FIA WEC management has been in constant dialogue with the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) in light of the current and evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East. With the safety and security of competitors, personnel and fans of the utmost importance, the decision has been taken to delay the event that had been due to take place on 26-28 March. Following further discussions with our colleagues at Lusail International Circuit (LIC), where the race is held, a new date for the Qatar 1812km during the second half of the campaign will be finalised and communicated in due course. The first round of the season will consequently now be the 6 Hours of Imola in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy on 17-19 April.” Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif al-Mannai, President, Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and Lusail International Circuit, said: “Following in-depth discussions with the FIA World Endurance Championship and all relevant stakeholders, the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and Lusail International Circuit respect and support FIA WEC’s decision to postpone the Qatar 1812km race. We thank our fans, teams and partners for their understanding and continued support, and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Lusail International Circuit.” Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President, Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), said: “The safety and wellbeing of our community will always be the FIA’s first priority, and I thank our Member Club the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation, Lusail International Circuit, the ACO and our championship colleagues for the measured and collaborative approach that has led to this decision. As the opening event of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the Qatar 1812km holds a special place for many fans, drivers and teams alike, and we will work closely with all involved to reschedule the race for later in the 2026 season. The FIA continues to monitor developments across the region and our thoughts remain with all those affected by these recent events as we hope for calm, safety and a return to stability.” Frédéric Lequien, CEO, FIA World Endurance Championship, said: “The Qatar 1812km is an integral part of the FIA WEC calendar, and I offer my sincere thanks to Lusail International Circuit and the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation for their close collaboration. We have all been working hand-in-hand since Saturday morning to find the best solution for staging the event, and while we still need a few more days to finalise the exact revised date, I can confirm it will be during the second half of the 2026 season. We will provide more information as soon as it is available.” Source link
The General Command of the Bahrain Defense Force announced Wednesday the destruction of 74 missiles and 95 hostile drones since the start of the Iranian aggression against the country.In a statement, the General Command said that all its air defense systems are on high alert to ensure an immediate and decisive response to the missiles and drones of the ongoing and unjustified Iranian aggression against the country.The General Command indicated that specialized field teams are working to secure the attack sites with maximum speed to ensure everyone’s safety, and that air defense systems are on high alert and fully prepared.It pointed out that launching indiscriminate and excessive missile and drone attacks targeting civilians and civilian objects constitutes a flagrant violation of the principles of international humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter, and disregards all international conventions and humanitarian ethics.It also stressed that Bahrain retains its legitimate right to take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty and security. Source link
A crew member walks past images of drivers as teams prepare for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne. (AFP)…
Kuwait's Armed Forces said they are responding to a wave of missiles and drones detected in the country's airspace and are carrying out operations to intercept them.In a statement posted on the X platform, the Kuwaiti General Staff said the armed forces are currently dealing with a wave of missiles and drones that were detected in the airspace of the State of Kuwait, and are taking the necessary measures to confront and intercept the threats.The General Staff affirmed its complete readiness to address ant threat in order to safeguard the country's territory and airspace and ensure the safety of Kuwaiti citizens and residents. Source link
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be sidelined for between two and four weeks due to hamstring tendon injury. Portuguese veteran Cristiano Ronaldo has a hamstring tendon injury, his Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr announced on Tuesday, but his participation in the 2026 World Cup does not appear to be in doubt. According to some media outlets, the 41-year-old captain of the Portuguese national team is expected to be sidelined for between two and four weeks, meaning he should be up and running well before the World Cup kicks off in the United States, Mexico and Canada on June 11. The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus player “has started a rehabilitation programme and his condition will be assessed day by day,” Al-Nassr said. Ronaldo, who is in line to play in a record sixth World Cup, was injured during a match at Al-Fayha last month in the Saudi Pro League. Inter rest starters but gain cup draw in Como Como and Inter Milan drew 0-0 in a cagey Italian Cup semi-final first leg on Tuesday in which they managed just one shot on target between them. Inter manager Cristian Chivu made 10 changes from the team that beat Genoa on Saturday to go 10 points clear in Serie A. Cesc Fabregas’ Como largely dominated the match but squandered a series of promising positions. Winger Mergim Vojvoda missed at least three clear first-half chances while full-back Alex Valle spurned a good chance just after half-time. In the other semi-final, Lazio host Atalanta. Kounde, Balde out ahead of Barca’s Newcastle tie Barcelona will be without defenders Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde for their Champions League last 16 tie against Newcastle after they were diagnosed with hamstring injuries. Both players were taken off hurt during Barca’s 3-0 Copa del Rey semi-final win over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, with the Catalans ousted 4-3 on aggregate. “The time of the recovery process (for Balde) will be four weeks,” said Barcelona in a statement, without specifying how long Kounde will miss. Spanish media reported France international Kounde, 27, is likely to be sidelined for a similar length of time. As well as the Champions League matches, the duo will also miss La Liga games against Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano. Barcelona are currently also without midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who also has a hamstring injury. The injury makes Kounde a doubt for France’s friendlies against Brazil and Colombia in the United States at the end of March, in the build up to this summer’s World Cup. Balde is a Spain international but has been behind Marc Cucurella and Alex Grimaldo in coach Luis de la Fuente’s pecking order. Galatasaray fans banned from game at Liverpool Galatasaray will not be able to sell tickets to their fans for this month’s Champions League clash at Liverpool, after UEFA’s Appeals Body confirmed the sanctions they received over their supporters throwing objects, lighting fireworks and causing disturbances during last week’s trip to Juventus. Media reports said a man and his daughter were injured as a firework was thrown towards Juventus fans in Turin where the Italian club, down to 10 men, wiped out a three-goal deficit from a 5-2 loss in the first leg to force extra time in their Champions League playoff tie. Turkish champions Galatasaray, who scored twice in extra time to qualify for the round of 16 with a 7-5 aggregate win, were also fined 40,000 euros ($46,000) by UEFA’s disciplinary committee for the fans’ behaviour. Galatasaray’s appeal against the punishment was rejected. Liverpool visit Galatasaray on Tuesday, with the second leg set for March 18. More Asian Champions League matches postponed indefinitely Next week’s matches in Asian tournaments scheduled in the Middle East have been postponed until further notice due to the conflict in the region, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said. The US and Israel’s attack on Iran has affected countries throughout the Gulf, disrupting travel in some of the world’s busiest transit hubs and forcing several sporting events to be cancelled. Western region clashes in the Asian Champions League Elite, Champions League Two and the third-tier Challenge League, scheduled for next week between Monday and Wednesday, have been postponed, the AFC said in a statement. The AFC earlier postponed this week’s Asian Champions League Elite round of 16 clashes in the Middle East, as Iran cancelled all sporting events and the Qatar Football Association suspended all matches in the country. “The AFC’s priority remains the safety and security of all stakeholders including players, teams, officials, partners and fans and we are steadfast in our commitment to ensuring a secure environment for all,” the continental body said in a statement. Related Story Source link
Fujairah International Airport has announced the operation of a series of charter flights as part of humanitarian efforts to support travelers wishing to return to their home countries amid current regional challenges.Emirates News Agency (WAM) said that these special charter flights are scheduled to operate via Muscat on March 4 and 5, linking the Emirate of Fujairah with five major international destinations: Calicut, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Istanbul and Karachi.Fujairah Airport indicated that this step reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting humanitarian travel needs and ensuring safe and seamless services for travelers during critical times. Source link
Oscar Piastri has moved to cool expectations of a drought-breaking win at his home Australian Grand Prix, insisting McLaren are not the dominant force that arrived at Albert Park 12 months ago. After seven race wins last season and a third-placing in the drivers championship, Piastri has generated huge buzz in his hometown Melbourne and is expected to draw record crowds for his bid to become the first home winner since the race joined Formula One in 1985. McLaren qualified both cars at the front of the grid last year and Lando Norris won the season-opener on a wet track, but Piastri said he had “no idea” whether he could win this year as the team grapples with F1’s biggest technical overhaul in decades. “Based off testing, we seem like we’re in the mix at the front,” he said. “I certainly wouldn’t be saying that we’re favourite to be winning. The picture doesn’t look quite as positive for us at the moment as it did 12 months ago. We’re in the mix, but we need to find a bit more.” Piastri led last year’s championship by 34 points before a mid-season slump opened the door for British teammate Norris to claim his maiden title. He said the disappointment of missing out had faded and he had little time to dwell on the past due to the short off-season and the need to get up to speed with the technical changes. He also said he felt no extra burden to perform at his home race, a year after finishing ninth following a skid into grass. “Obviously last year’s race didn’t end how I wanted, but you know, there’s no extra pressure to try and make up for that or anything,” he said. “We’ve got enough challenges to not be worrying about that.” Defending champion Norris may again loom as his toughest adversary, even with pre-season buzz surrounding Mercedes and Ferrari following their positive winter testing. McLaren gave equal treatment to Piastri and Norris last year, although there were controversies involving the application of the team’s so-called ‘Papaya Rules’. One involved the Australian letting Norris past after a botched pitstop by the team at Monza. Piastri said any issues from last season had been dealt with internally and the team had moved on. “We’re not going to be swapping each other around for no reason (when racing),” he said. “Again, if there’s any issues or tense moments that arise, then we’ll deal with it as a team, as we do and try to make some progress.” Related Story Source link
Iraq's Civil Aviation Authority announced on Wednesday the extension of the closure of Iraqi airspace to all arriving, departing and transit flights for an additional 48 hours.In a statement, the authority said the closure will remain in effect from today, until noon on Saturday as a temporary and precautionary measure.It explained that the decision was taken following a continuous assessment of the regional security situation and recent developments, noting that updates will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority had previously extended the suspension of air traffic in the country's airspace for another 48 hours on Monday due to continued security tensions in the region. Source link
File photo of Mosiuoa Lekota. South African anti-apartheid activist Mosiuoa Lekota, who broke away from the African National Congress to found a new political party, died in the early hours of Wednesday morning, his party said in a statement. He was 77 years old.Lekota died after a period of illness and had stepped back from active politics. He was a close ally of former President Thabo Mbeki and served as South Africa’s defence minister from 1999 to 2008. Lekota, nicknamed “Terror” for his fearsome skills on the soccer pitch as young man, quit in protest at Mbeki’s ousting and was voted off the ANC’s National Executive Committee after repeated criticism of Mbeki’s successor, Jacob Zuma.He co-founded the Congress of the People (COPE) party in 2008. COPE won roughly 7% of the vote in the first national election it contested, in 2009, but its vote share has been below 1% at every national election since then.Lekota worked as a student activist during the 1970s. He served jail time on Robben Island with the country’s liberation hero Nelson Mandela. islam Source link
Damage caused by an Iranian drone strike at one of the buildings next to the headquarters of the U.S. Navy 5th Fleet in Juffair, Bahrain, March…