The podium positions at the Monaco Grand Prix were significantly influenced by pit lane speeding penalties, with the decisive factor being the 60kph speed limit in the Monte Carlo pit lane. Several drivers received penalties for exceeding this limit, leading to significant changes in the final standings.

Alpine has formally requested a right of review from the FIA regarding the penalties issued for pit lane speeding during the race. This request follows their driver, Pierre Gasly, being demoted from a podium finish due to two separate five-second penalties for the same offence. These penalties caused him to drop from third at the chequered flag to seventh position.

Gasly expressed his disappointment after the race, stating he was “heartbroken” and urging the FIA to investigate the situation. He maintained that he had activated his pit limiter well before the designated line on both occasions and that his team had set the correct speed in the car. He highlighted the loss of nine points and a podium finish, emphasising the effort involved in achieving such a result.

Driver Penalties and Reactions

Gasly was not the only driver affected by these penalties. Mercedes driver George Russell also had his race impacted by a pit lane speeding penalty. Despite receiving a penalty during his first pit stop, Russell was initially on course for a fourth-place finish. However, a late Safety Car incident, triggered by Lance Stroll crashing, led to further complications for Russell.

Under the Safety Car, Mercedes brought Russell in for a pit stop. Mechanics began changing tyres immediately, rather than observing the rule of not touching the car for the first five seconds. This resulted in a more severe drive-through penalty for Russell, which he had to serve within three laps. Consequently, he dropped out of the points after the standing restart, continuing a challenging period that has seen him fall 68 points behind his team-mate Kimi Antonelli in the standings.

Russell, similar to Gasly, questioned the FIA’s pit lane technology, suggesting there might be a problem with the software. He stated that he was on the pit limiter before the line and released it after, yet still received a penalty. He argued that the drive-through penalty, which saw him drop from third to fourteenth, was disproportionate to the offence, especially given a potential software glitch.

During the red flag period that followed Charles Leclerc’s crash at the initial Safety Car restart, Russell reportedly visited the stewards to request a less harsh punishment. He explained his willingness to serve a five-second penalty on the subsequent lap, noting a 20-second gap to Gasly behind him. He believed he gained only a minimal amount of time due to the alleged software glitch but lost 12 positions as a result.

Lewis Hamilton was another driver penalised for pit lane speeding. He asserted that he was not exceeding the speed limit, attributing the issue to the pit lane’s configuration and the line drivers take. Hamilton noted that he had used the same pit lane for years and activated his pit lane limiter immediately. He expressed surprise at receiving a penalty, suggesting that many drivers might not have been genuinely speeding.

Impact and Future Steps

Hamilton’s penalty initially seemed set to cost him second place to his team-mate Charles Leclerc. However, Ferrari’s decision to pit both their cars simultaneously under the Safety Car allowed Hamilton to serve his penalty without losing position to Leclerc. Leclerc, reportedly frustrated by this decision, subsequently crashed during the rolling restart, leaving Hamilton to secure second place.

Pit lane speeding infringements are relatively uncommon in Formula 1, with only five penalties issued over the first five rounds of the season, and only three of these occurring during races. The events at Monaco highlight the critical impact of even slight deviations from the pit lane speed limit on race outcomes.

Alpine’s request for a right of review means they will need to present new evidence to the FIA that was not available when the stewards made their initial decision to secure a further hearing. The next race on the calendar is the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.

Source: formula1.com

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Arsenal’s transfer movements

Arsenal are reportedly close to finalising a deal for Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga. The 16-year-old, who is among the youngest players to have featured in a Premier League match, is said to have agreed personal terms with the Gunners. Monga’s departure from Leicester appears likely following the club’s relegation to League One.

In addition to Monga, Arsenal are also pursuing Paris Saint-Germain defender Emmanuel Mbemba. The 18-year-old, who can play as a centre-back or left-back, is reportedly favouring a move to the Emirates Stadium. Mbemba’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the month, making him available for a training compensation fee of £150,000.

The club’s transfer priorities for the summer include a new striker and a left-sided winger to strengthen their attack. Reports suggest that Julian Alvarez, Junior Kroupi, and Morgan Rogers are among the players linked with Arsenal for these roles. Former player Clinton Morrison indicated that Arsenal needs to keep evolving and improving, suggesting the need for a quality striker and another left winger.

Chelsea and Tottenham’s summer plans

Chelsea are reportedly intensifying discussions regarding Dusan Vlahovic. The Juventus striker has been linked with a move to the Premier League, and reports from Italy suggest Chelsea are stepping up talks for his signature. The Blues are said to be in contact with Vlahovic’s father, Milos, who is reportedly considering offers on his son’s behalf. Newcastle is also rumoured to be interested in the Serbian international.

Tottenham are actively engaged in the summer transfer market. They have already secured Andy Robertson and are reportedly close to adding Marcos Senesi, who is leaving Bournemouth. Tottenham are also believed to have agreed terms with both Jan Paul van Hecke and Savinho. Brighton chief executive Paul Barber confirmed that Tottenham had two bids for Van Hecke rejected, with a third offer expected to be imminent. Tottenham are also pursuing Manchester City winger Savinho, who has reportedly agreed personal terms on a contract until 2031.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid is reportedly preparing a bid for Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise. This development follows Florentino Perez’s re-election as the club’s president. Perez’s campaign included a promise to pursue Olise, although Bayern Munich has publicly stated that the former Crystal Palace player is not for sale.

Other transfer news

Manchester United is among the clubs interested in Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers. Rogers, who had a successful season helping Villa win the Europa League and finish fourth in the Premier League, is expected to play a significant role for England at the upcoming World Cup. Past comments from Rogers, where he stated there was “no bigger club than Manchester United,” have resurfaced amidst the transfer speculation.

In managerial news, Feyenoord has announced the departure of manager Robin Van Persie. The club confirmed that the 2026-2027 season will begin with a new head coach, thanking Van Persie for his contributions during his tenure.

Arsenal’s transfer strategy also involves potential outgoings, with Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard reportedly considered for departure to facilitate new signings. The club aims to strengthen various positions, including a No6, a No8, a left-winger, and a striker during this transfer window.

The summer transfer window is approaching, with several major clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham, working to finalise deals before the World Cup.

Source: standard.co.uk

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England’s Dominance Amidst Rain Interruptions

The first Rothesay Test between England and New Zealand at Lord’s has extended into a fourth day, with England in a strong position despite significant rain interruptions. Only five sessions of play were possible over the first three days, yet England has consistently maintained an advantage, taking a wicket approximately every four overs. The weather forecast for day four is more optimistic, anticipating dry conditions.

Ollie Robinson has been a key performer for England, tightening their grip on the match. He has taken seven wickets for 57 runs in the match so far. His performance on day three, where he secured two wickets in four balls, was particularly impactful. Robinson‘s career-best figures of five for 39 in the first innings set the tone for his memorable reintroduction to the Test team, having waited over two years for his 21st cap.

The pitch at Lord’s has been described as dry, uneven, and has attracted criticism for its challenging nature for batters. Despite this, England‘s bowlers have capitalised on the conditions. Robinson, for instance, has a wicket every 47 balls, making him England‘s best bowler by Test strike rate since the first world war, among those with a minimum of 80 wickets. Other notable bowling performances include Gus Atkinson with four for 25 and Josh Tongue with four for 55.

Key Wickets and Batting Challenges

On day three, Robinson dismissed Rachin Ravindra for four and trapped Daryl Mitchell leg before wicket, further solidifying England‘s control. These dismissals left the Black Caps at 55 for five, chasing a target of 254 runs. The decision to bring wicketkeeper Jamie Smith up to the stumps was noted as a factor in anchoring Mitchell to his crease, contributing to his dismissal.

The challenging pitch conditions have resulted in 21 single-figure scores, eight ducks, and 11 clean-bowled dismissals among the 35 wickets that have fallen. The highest total of the match remains a distant prospect given the irregular bounce and significant seam movement still on offer. New Zealand‘s batters have found it difficult to establish partnerships and build substantial innings.

Josh Tongue also made a crucial breakthrough on day four, dismissing Tom Blundell for four, caught leg before wicket. Tongue‘s ability to nip the ball back down the slope proved effective. He revealed that a ‘smiley face’ at his mark helps him stay positive during play, though he has not needed it much in this match due to his success.

New Zealand’s Remaining Hopes

Despite the precarious position, New Zealand still has some batting remaining. Devon Conway, who scored a double century on his Test debut at Lord’s five years ago, remains at the crease. Although his scores at this venue since then have been modest (23, 3, 13, 1, and 19*), his past performance suggests he is capable of a significant innings. Conway is currently on 20 runs.

The team also has Glenn Phillips and Kyle Jamieson, who were responsible for the majority of runs in New Zealand‘s first innings, yet to bat. Phillips, who started his innings purposefully with a clip for a single, has shown a more aggressive approach, finding the boundary early in his stay. He has already made more runs than Latham, O’Rourke, Ravindra, and Mitchell combined in his brief time at the crease.

New Zealand needs 199 more runs to win, with five wickets in hand. The play resumed at 11am BST on day four.

Source: theguardian.com

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