Manchester City and PSG agree personal terms with Edinson Cavani

Posted on April 23, 2013 by adminsports

Man City joined by PSG in agreeing terms with 60m Cavani… but Real Madrid are set to pounce

By
Sami Mokbel and John Edwards

PUBLISHED:

15:30 GMT, 23 April 2013

UPDATED:

16:10 GMT, 23 April 2013

Manchester City are closing in on in-demand Napoli frontman Edinson Cavani after agreeing in principle terms with the player over a summer move.

However, David Beckham's Paris St Germain remain in the hunt after striking up a similar deal despite neither agreeing a fee with the Uruguayan's club.

To make matters worse for City, the player himself has set his sights on a dream move to Real Madrid.

Scroll down to watch Cavani in action

In demand: Serie A top scorer Edinson Cavani has agreed deals in principle with Manchester City and PSG

In demand: Serie A top scorer Edinson Cavani is being tracked by Europe's top clubs, including City and PSG

GOAL MACHINE CAVANI

Edinson Cavani has scored 72 goals and delivered 12 assists in 100 appearances for Napoli in Serie A.

With fears mounting that Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be lured back to Juventus, as revealed in Sportsmail, PSG hope to hijack City’s pursuit of one of Europe’s most accomplished finishers.

Roberto Mancini is desperate to hit the ground running this summer after seeing his title chances damaged considerably last year when Robin van Persie chose Manchester United.

City, then, have agreed in principle to offer 256k per week, though there remains the barrier of his release clause, initially thought to be 53million. Recently, though, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis insisted it would take an incredible 60million to trigger it.

Getting shirty: The fight for Cavani is likely to be a long and bitter one between Europe's leading clubs

Asked to clarify the exact amount
needed to prise the 26-year-old away, the president said: ‘We included a
very high buy-out clause in his contract, because we want him to stay.

'The clause does exist, though, and if some nutter is willing to pay €70m for him we are ready to listen.'

Cavani is the top scorer in Serie A this season, with 23 goals, firing Napoli to a likely second-placed finish behind Juventus.

Friends forever: Could Ezequiel Lavezzi, who left Napoli for PSG, play a part in Cavani's future

His blistering form has led PSG sporting director Leonardo to work overtime behind the scenes to convince him of the Parisien project, with reports in France claiming an offer of 7million per year, plus bonuses, is on the table.

Real Madrid have been favourites to sign Cavani, but due to Ibrahimovic openly courting a return to Juve, plus fears within PSG that they could also lose Ezequiel Lavezzi to AC Milan, competition is more fierce than ever.

VIDEO Napoli frontman Cavani doing what he does best…scoring goals

Manchester United"s Robin van Persie credits position change with injury-free run

Posted on January 21, 2013 by adminsports

Van Persie credits position change with injury-free run after playing in 71st CONSECUTIVE Premier League game

By
Sam Cunningham

PUBLISHED:

16:24 GMT, 21 January 2013

UPDATED:

17:51 GMT, 21 January 2013

Robin van Persie had 27 separate injuries in eight seasons at Arsenal – but following almost a year injury-free, he puts his newfound consistency down to switching from playing as a No 10 to a No 9.

The striker yesterday chalked up 71 consecutive Barclays Premier League games and he is behind only Jon Walters as having currently played the most consecutive top flight league games. Walters has featured in 76 straight matches.

At Arsenal his eight years were blighted by injury but he has played 28 of Manchester United’s 33 matches this season.

On fire: Van Persie is producing the finest form of his career

He used to play predominantly in-behind another striker at his former club and, though he was prolific when fit, he spent a fair bit of time on the treatment table.

There wasn’t much he didn’t injure. He missed matches with groin, ankle, foot, knee, hamstring, thigh and hip problems and broke his metatarsal.

Van Persie withdrew from the Holland squad for a friendly back in November as a precaution with a slight thigh problem but it did not stop him starting United’s next match against Norwich.

Injury prone: Much of Van Persie's Arsenal career was spent on the sidelines

And he has not missed a club game through injury since he picked up a groin strain last February – almost a year ago. He puts that down to a shift in focus becoming an out-an-out striker.

The 29-year-old said in an interview on Sky Sports: ‘It’s a different game, they’re very close to each other playing No 10 or No 9. But there’s a big difference. As a No 9 you have much more intervals – stop-start, looking for spaces, waiting, then going for it and taking chances.

‘As a No 10 you have to deal with the defensive midfielder of the opposition. Depending how they play you can have a really difficult game.

Durable: Only Walters is on a longer consecutive run of Premier League games

'You’re always expected to get into the box making 30-40metre runs when you attack, then you have to go back 30-40m or more depending how far he goes back, and you have to go left or right. It’s much more of an endurance game than stop-start. If I look now my game as No 9 is great.

'My average running in games has always been high, but it’s high intensity runs now. Before I had to run more endurance-wise, now it’s more stop-start, short and sharp runs in behind.’

The consistency is paying off. Van Persie’s goal against Spurs yesterday took him two clear of Luis Suarez as the Premier League top scorer on 18 goals. He has netted in 10 of the last 11 matches he has played in, scoring 11 in the process. And he is closing in on Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s Premier League record of scoring in 10 consecutive matches, which he set between March and August 2003.

Van Persie has scored in Manchester United’s previous six league games. If he keeps fit, he could even have Dixie Dean’s league record of scoring in 12 consecutive Division Two matches for Everton back in 1930-31 in his sights.

Roberto Mancini defiant on Manchester City"s title chances after Newcastle win

Posted on December 17, 2012 by adminsports

It's not over yet! Mancini defiant over title chances after City bounce back with Newcastle win

UPDATED:

22:30 GMT, 16 December 2012

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini insists the title race is far from over, despite that derby defeat by Manchester United.

And he warned that his team will get even better after they delivered the perfect response with their best performance of the season in a 3-1 win at Newcastle United.

They could easily have reached double figures by half-time but for sloppy finishing and Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul.

Marathon not a sprint: Roberto Mancini is unfazed despite City trailing Manchester United by six points in the table

City took the lead in the ninth minute through Sergio Aguero, at the end of an 11-pass move and one of the passes of the season from Yaya Toure. Javi Garcia added a messy second from a corner and, after Demba Ba had given Newcastle brief hope in the second half, Yaya finally ended the contest in injury time.

Mancini, who left Mario Balotelli in Manchester, started with Aguero and Carlos Tevez and they inspired City to victory, the 13th consecutive win with the Argentinian duo leading from the front.

United maintained their six-point lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League table with their own 3-1 win over Sunderland at Old Trafford.

Three and easy: Man City cruised to a 3-1 victory at Newcastle in the perfect riposte to last weekend's derby defeat

But Mancini warned the best is yet to come from his City players, who face Reading at home on Saturday and return to the North East on Boxing Day seeking revenge at Sunderland for last season’s New Year’s Day defeat.

Mancini said: ‘I think if we put our minds on the job we can do very well, like we did at Newcastle today. But if we think we can play with only one foot, it is difficult.

‘We felt it would be really difficult here because when you play against Newcastle after a defeat against United it’s clear that it will be tough. It was very important only to play like we did in the second half against United — and we did this. Sergio and Carlos play very well together and this is very important but we have also Edin (Dzeko) and Mario.

‘When he came on, Edin did very well and to win at Newcastle you need to play very well with your whole team.

‘It’s important they always play at 100 per cent with a good attitude.’

On the up: Javi Garcia headed in City's second goal against Newcastle

Garcia, who headed his first goal since his debut in September, added: ‘It was an important game after what happened against United. We had to show we could continue to have a winning mentality.

‘It’s normal to be feeling down after a result like that, but we had to lift our heads up. We had to continue to believe in ourselves and remain positive.

‘I don’t know if it was our best half, but we definitely played very well. If we maintain those standards and keep that attitude, I think we can chase down Manchester United and we are going to be very hard to beat.’

The only blow for City was the loss of Samir Nasri, who went off before half-time after tormenting Davide Santon. The former Arsenal midfielder will have scans on a groin strain and looks certain to miss the clash with Reading.

Rafael Benitez demands improvement from Chelsea

Posted on December 1, 2012 by adminsports

Benitez admits Chelsea are misfiring in front of goal… but STILL defends hapless Torres

UPDATED:

15:42 GMT, 1 December 2012

Rafa Benitez has demanded an instant improvement from his Chelsea side after they slumped to a 3-1 defeat at West Ham.

The Spaniard lost his first game since taking over as interim manager but he has now failed to win any of his three games in charge.

Benitez also acknowledged his side are struggling in front of goal but defended under-fire striker Fernando Torres whose goal drought extended beyond 12 hours.

Rafael Benitez

Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez

Under pressure: Rafa Benitez watched his side throw away the lead at Upton Park

'To win, it's simple,' he said. 'In the first half we just had to score more goals. We have to improve.

'We know that football has two halves, the game has two halves. In the first half we had two or three chances – we just need to score more goals.

'I thought the team had chances, not just Fernando. When you are attacking and you are controlling the game like we did in the first half, you have to score goals.'

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce meanwhile was pleased his decision to bring on Mohamed Diame at half-time paid off.

Message: The Chelsea fans continued to make their feelings about Benitez known at West Ham

The Hammers trailed to Juan Mata's
opener at the break but Allardyce brought on Diame and his introduction
changed the game as Carlton Cole, Diame and Modibo Maiga scored the
goals to earn the home side all three points.

Allardyce said: 'We started okay but when they scored we just lost our confidence. I think we lost our momentum.

'I just needed to make some changes, bring in some fresh legs. It was all about playing in the opposition's half, playing off Carlton Cole. I felt he was itching for a real good game.

'They can really enjoy their week now, have a bit of a rest the next few days and then come back ready for the Liverpool.'

Down and out: Fernando Torres had another poor game in front of goal for Chelsea

Cole meanwhile credited Allardyce for turning the match on its head.

'I've got to put it down to the gaffer's tactics, we were a bit defensive in the first half,' Cole told Sky Sports.

'We switched it around and put on some attacking players. Momo came on and did brilliantly and changed the game for us.'

Cole started in place of the injured Andy Carroll and was pleased with his goal

In front: Mohamed Diame was an inspired substitution by Sam Allardyce

'I haven't had a good time in the Prem of late. I just knew if I kept working hard and training hard the goal would come.'

Diame admitted that Allardyce had been right to rest him from the starting line-up.

'I played the two games against Tottenham and Man Utd I think I needed the rest,' he said.

'After this game we are going to get confidence and keep going. I think we did well today. It is a great result for us.'

Manchester City v Ajax, Schalke v Arsenal live

Posted on November 6, 2012 by adminsports

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LIVE: Manchester City v Ajax and Schalke v Arsenal – as it happens

UPDATED:

19:50 GMT, 6 November 2012

Follow Sportsmail's coverage of the Champions League as Manchester City and Arsenal hope to bounce back from defeats suffered in their last group stage matches. City will be desperate to record a win against Ajax and keep their hopes of progressing to the last 16 alive, while Arsenal will look for revenge at Schalke after losing 2-0 to the German outfit at the Emirates Stadium last time out. Send me your thoughts on the action to dan.ripley@dailymail.co.uk or via Twitter @Ripinho.

Live scores

Click here for the live goals as they go in

Champions League

Manchester City v Ajax

Schalke v Arsenal

Click here for all the latest Champions League scores and live tables

All the latest from the Championship

All the latest from League One

All the latest from League Two

19.48: Manchester City start with a positive attacking purpose, and despite a few empty seats, it's a good atmosphere inside the Etihad Stadium to cheer them on.

19.45: Away we go in both matches.

19.42: The players are out at the Veltins Arena and at the Etihad Stadium – the Gunners are in their change yellow strip while Ajax also are in their away kit which is splashed with fluorescent green.

19.39: Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini spoke to ITV before the game:

'We can't concede and need to score and play very good football. I believe in my players because I am sure we have a strong team.

'Against Ajax when we were 1-0 we had two or three chances to close the game. In the Champions League you can lose this just like against Real Madrid. Against Borussia we didn't play well.

'The players don't need my passion they just need to play well.'

19.36: Time for some predictions from me, and I'm going for a positive spin tonight:

Manchester City 2-1 Ajax
Schalke 0-1 Arsenal

We meet again: City manager Roberto Mancini (right) greets Ajax boss Frank De Boer before the game

19.33: According to InfostradaLive there are another two teams that can qualify this evening, with Malaga and Porto only needing draws away at AC Milan and Dynamo Kiev respectively. Again that sounds far from easy.

19.30: In an identical points situation to Arsenal's group, there is one side that can progress from Manchester City's Group D this evening – and it's not Real Madrid.

Borussia Dortmund will guarantee progress to the last 16 with three points tonight, but that is easier said than done at the Bernabeu for the visiting team.

19.27: Interesting insight from Wenger on Theo Walcott's role at the club.

Asked by Sky Sports whether the forward's exclusion from the Arsenal starting XI in recent times was to do with injury of the refusal to sign a new contract, the Gunners boss quickly replied by saying he is still building match fitness following an injury. Well dodged, Arsene.

19.24: So Manchester City fans, how do you fancy your team's chances this evening and beyond in this competition

If you need some encouragement then I will point you in the direction of the Champions League's greatest comebacks by clicking here.

Newcastle have the greatest, but seven times before a team has picked up one point from three games and made it through. As Bon Jovi would say, keep the faith.

19.21: From InfostradaLive:

Dinamo Zagreb are first team to start with 11 Domestic players since Steaua Bucharest six years ago in Nov 2006 vs Real Madrid.

19.18: Roberto Mancini opts for an all-Argentinian attack of Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez for tonight's crucial Champions League Group D clash against Ajax.

Midfielder Javi Garcia comes in for his first start in a month and fit-again Pablo Zabaleta returns at right-back as City seek their first win of the competition.

Injuries restrict Mancini's selections and the manager includes 18-year-old defender Courtney Meppen-Walter among his substitutes at the Etihad Stadium.

Ajax make one change from the side which beat City 3-1 in Amsterdam a fortnight ago with forward Derk Boerrigter replacing Tobias Sana.

Ready and waiting: Ajax players train at the Etihad Stadium on the eve of their clash against Manchester City

19.15: From Sportsmail's Sami Mokbel:

Big big night for Theo Walcott here in Gelsenkirchen. Starts 1st Champions League game of the season. Major call by Wenger.

19.12: Another boost for Arsenal this evening comes down on the touchline.

Arsene Wenger has completed his three-match ban and the manager's return down in the dugout will be a boost for the visitors.

19.09: Full line-ups from the Etihad Stadium:

Man City v Ajax
Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasic, Clichy, Javi Garcia, Barry, Nasri, Toure, Aguero, Tevez. Subs: Pantilimon, Maicon, Dzeko, Sinclair, Kolarov, Balotelli, Meppen-Walter.

Ajax: Vermeer, Van Rhijn, Alderweireld, Moisander, Blind, De Jong, Poulsen, Schone, Boerrigter, Eriksen, Babel. Subs: Cillessen, Enoh, Sana, Veltman, Denswil, Dijks, Fischer.

Referee: Peter Rasmussen (Denmark)

19.06: Arsene Wenger drop under-fire Andre Santos for Arsenal's Champions League clash with Schalke this evening.

The Brazil left-back has been under the spotlight since swapping shirts with Robin van Persie at half-time of Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Manchester United and is replaced in the starting line-up by Laurent Koscielny.

Theo Walcott overcomes illness and comes in for the injured Aaron Ramsey in Arsenal's only other change, while Schalke name the same side that lost 3-2 at Hoffenheim despite manager Huub Stevens hinting at changes before the game.

19.03: I only have bad memories of the Veltins Arena, as this was the stadium where England crashed out of the 2006 World Cup on penalties against Portugal.

It was 0-0 back then but I can't see a repeat scoreline this evening – especially with the German outfit knowing three points will seal their spot in the last 16.

Overcoming hurdles: Schalke's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar trains ahead of the clash against Arsenal

19.00: The full line-ups from the Veltins Arena:

Schalke 04 v Arsenal
Schalke 04: Unnerstall, Uchida, Howedes, Matip, Fuchs, Jones, Neustadter, Farfan, Holtby, Afellay, Huntelaar. Subs: Hildebrand, Marica, Hoger, Papadopoulos, Moritz, Draxler, Kolasinac.

Arsenal: Mannone, Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Arteta, Wilshere, Walcott, Cazorla, Podolski, Giroud. Subs: Shea, Andre Santos, Djourou, Coquelin, Arshavin, Jenkinson, Chamakh.

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (Italy)

18.57: Early news for Arsenal is that Theo Walcott and Laurent Koscielny will start in place of Aaron Ramsey and Andre Santos.

The former's inclusion shows a sign of attacking intent from Arsene Wenger – which is good for all of us who fancy an entertaining game of football this evening.

18.54: Of course it's not just Manchester City in action as Arsenal also feature tonight.

They require more of a kick up the backside than an inspired comeback at this stage but another defeat against Schalke this evening and it could be a nervous outlook for the Gunners in Group B.

18.51: Ajax starting XI:

Vermeer, Van Rhijn, Alderweireld, Moisander, Blind, Schone, Poulsen, De Jong, Boerrigter, Eriksen, Babel.

18.48: Manchester City starting XI:

Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasic, Clichy, Garcia, Barry, Yaya Toure, Nasri, Tevez, Aguero.

18.45: The fightback starts here…or more specifically the Etihad Stadium. Well hopefully it does anyway as all we've seen Manchester City do is struggle in the last few weeks.

That includes a 3-1 loss at tonight's opponents, Ajax. Roberto Mancini's side are capable of stepping up their game though and they will need to tonight if they want to defeat a talented Dutch side and keep their Champions League hopes alive too. Team news coming right up.

Staring down the barrel: Manchester City's Champions League hopes hang by a thread after a 3-1 defeat at Ajax last month left them with just one point from their opening three group games

Gareth Barry insists Manchester City not given up on Champions League

Posted on November 5, 2012 by adminsports

Barry insists Man City have not given up on the Champions League

UPDATED:

18:58 GMT, 5 November 2012

Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry insists nobody in the dressing has lost belief in the club's Champions League quest.

The Barclays Premier League winners are in danger of early elimination for a second successive season after collecting just one point from their opening three Group D matches.

They now face Ajax in a must-win clash at the Etihad Stadium and Barry claims the team have rallied after losing 3-1 to the Dutch side in Amsterdam a fortnight ago.

Fully focused: Barry insists Man City have not given up hope in the Champions League

The England midfielder said: 'The manager, after the Ajax game, when everyone was disappointed, still instilled us with belief that if we win the (last) three games, then we can go through.

'As players we believe in that too. While it is still possible to qualify – that is our aim – starting tomorrow night against Ajax, we are going to try for three points and go from there.'

Manager Roberto Mancini said after the defeat at the Amsterdam ArenA that his team now needed a 'miracle'.

Behind closed doors, the suggestion is that the messages from the top are different. Last season Mancini famously wrote off City's Premier League title chances after a defeat at Arsenal only for his team to recover from an eight-point deficit with six games to go.

Barry said: 'The manager has his own way of going about things.

Team meeting: Mancini gathers his players around at their Carrington training ground on Monday

'As a group of players we are going into this game, believing we can win them and we can win the Champions League.

'The manager has experience of winning things so you have to listen to what he is saying.'

City opened their latest European challenge with a 3-2 defeat at Real Madrid and then snatched a 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund.

Barry, 31, said: 'We are finding it tough to put our finger on exactly why it has been tough.

'It is quite clear that we have not produced our best performances against the quality of opposition that are in the Champions League and, when it comes to these games, when you're not producing your best you get found out. That seems to be what has happened.

Hedging his bets: Joe Hart has a rummage around for a ball

'I am sure if we could have held on in Madrid it would have set us up a lot differently to where we are at the moment.

'We have been punished on nights when we have not been top of our game.'

City have generally performed below their own high standards so far this season, even though they are still unbeaten in the Premier League and just two points off the top after 10 games.

Barry has little time for suggestions that there are ego clashes in the dressing room that could be affecting team spirit or performances.

He said: 'Ever since this club went through the change, it has had that thrown at it.

Do or die: City must beat Ajax on Tuesday night

'The big names have come in and whenever there are a few negative results, these things are thrown at the players – egos, people can't get on and whatever.

'But inside the dressing room we are close. We will put that right and make people quiet with performances and that is our target.'

Barry knows City have to throw caution to the wind against Ajax.

He said: 'We have home advantage and we have to make that pay. We want our fans right behind us.

'We need to start the game like we started the second half over there. We had a good 10-15 minutes before they got the second goal.

'We have to start like that and keep it up for the full 90 minutes. It is going to be a different game.'

Lewis Hamilton has made a big mistake- Martin Whitmarsh

Posted on September 29, 2012 by adminsports

Lewis has made a big mistake in joining Mercedes, insists McLaren chief Whitmarsh

UPDATED:

19:48 GMT, 28 September 2012

Lewis Hamilton has been accused of an error of judgment for leaving McLaren to join Mercedes.

As revealed by Sportsmail, Hamilton will make the switch next season on a three-year deal which could see the 27-year-old earn up to 60million.

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh is adamant Hamilton will not enjoy the same success at Mercedes as at McLaren — insisting his replacement Sergio Perez and Jenson Button have a better chance of challenging for world championships.

Wise decision Lewis Hamilton is making the switch to Mercedes

Difficult day: Martin Whitmarsh

‘Anyone leaving McLaren, who wants to win, I think that’s a mistake,’ warned Whitmarsh. ‘I have faith and belief in this team. Whether you measure it over the last four races, four years or 40 years, we’re a fantastic team.

‘I would say to any driver who wants to win in this sport, come and join McLaren and aspire to join McLaren. The reverse is clear. I wouldn’t advise anyone to leave McLaren if they want to win.’

That view is clearly not shared by Hamilton, who spoke enthusiastically about his championship chances at Mercedes having decided to quit McLaren after 14 years.

‘It is now time for me to take on a fresh challenge and I am very excited to begin a new chapter racing for Mercedes,’ he said.

WHO'S THE NEW GUY

Sergio Perez (Mexico).

Age: 22.

Nickname: Checo.

Team: Sauber.

Oct 2010: Joined the Ferrari driver academy scheme and became the first graduate to compete in F1.

Mar 2011: Finished seventh in first F1 race at the Australian Grand Prix. First Mexican to compete in F1 since Hector Rebaque in 1981.

Mar 2012: On the podium for the first time at the Malaysian Grand Prix, finishing second to Fernando Alonso.

WHO’S NEXT TO MOVE

Perez’s switch means a vacancy at Sauber — maybe two, with Kamui Kobayashi’s future uncertain….

In the frame: Schumacher and ex-Toro Rosso driver Jaime Alguersuari.

Other movers: Vitaly Petrov is on shaky ground at Caterham, who could move for Bruno Senna…

Which means: Finn Valtteri Bottas to replace the Brazilian at Williams.

‘Mercedes-Benz has such an incredible heritage in motorsport, along with a passion for winning which I share. Together, we can grow and rise to this new challenge. I believe I can help steer the Silver Arrows to the top and achieve our joint ambitions of winning world championships.’

While Whitmarsh clearly feels Hamilton’s ambitions would have been better served by staying, he dismissed the accusation that McLaren made the bigger mistake by allowing the driver to join a rival team.

‘We had to accept that we didn’t agree terms with Lewis’s management, therefore Lewis and his management team have decided to go elsewhere,’ said Whitmarsh.

‘We made a financial offer which is better than anyone in Formula One, other than Lewis himself, receives today, and that is something I am comfortable with.’

Singapore Grand Prix: Sebatian Vettel wins but Lewis Hamilton breaks down

Posted on September 23, 2012 by adminsports

Vettel wins in Singapore but it's Marina Bay hell for Hamilton after break down

UPDATED:

14:50 GMT, 23 September 2012

Sebastian Vettel shone in Formula One's night race for the second successive season, but for Lewis Hamilton the lights may have gone out on his championship chances.

Vettel capitalised on Hamilton's retirement with a gearbox problem on lap 23 when comfortably leading the Singapore Grand Prix to take the chequered flag.

This latest win for the reigning world champion ends Vettel's longest winless run of nine races since joining Red Bull in 2009.

Retirement: Lewis Hamilton is forced to quit the race after his car malfunctioned

Break down: Hamilton appears upset after abandoning the race

As team principal Christian Horner
pointed out to Vettel after crossing the line: 'Well done, you're back
in the championship again.'

The 24-year-old now trails Ferrari's
Fernando Alonso by 29 points, the Spaniard claiming the 81st podium of
his career – only Michael Schumacher and Alain Prost have more – by
finishing third behind McLaren's Jenson Button.

Podium people: Sebastian Vettel (centre), Jenson Button (left) and Fernando Alonso (right)

Wet look: Button showers Vettel with champagne

For Hamilton, his recent rollercoaster run now leaves him 52 points behind Alonso, and with his last five races reading – retired, first, retired, first, retired.

Just when Hamilton garners belief he has a chance of the title, he finds his hopes cruelly snatched away.

In Germany, Hamilton retired 11 laps from home with puncture damage, albeit after an unhappy start when he was forced into an early pit stop after running over debris from a lap-one incident.

On song: Vettel was in good form

Away they go: Hamilton started in pole position

TOP TEN

1. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
2. Jenson Button (McLaren)
3. Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)
4. Paul Di Resta (Force India)
5. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
6. Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus)
7. Romain Grosjean (Lotus)
8. Felipe Massa (Ferrari)
9. Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso)
10. Mark Webber (Red Bull)

A superb victory in Hungary followed
before the summer break, after which his Belgian Grand Prix ended at the
first corner as he was one of four cars involved in a major pile-up.

The 27-year-old bounced back a
fortnight ago with his win in Italy, and back-to-back triumphs appeared
on the cards when he grabbed his 24th career pole on Saturday.

The threat at the start for Hamilton
was from Williams' Pastor Maldonado alongside him on the front row of
the grid given the Venezuelan's penchant for poor judgment and errors
this season which has resulted in many penalties.

But when the five red lights
disappeared Hamilton's getaway was as sweet as he could have dreamed of,
instead leaving Maldonado to deal with Vettel and Button.

From the perspective of both men they
quickly managed to blast their way past Maldonado through the opening
corners, dropping the 27-year-old to fourth ahead of Alonso who was
unable to follow suit.

Leading comfortably from Vettel,
however, Hamilton's gearbox gave way on lap 23, the Briton grinding to a
halt down an escape road.

Keeing up: Alonso still has a 29 point lead

There was a clear shake of the head from Hamilton and a moment when he put his head in his hands.

That promoted Vettel into the lead
ahead of Button and Maldonado, but the latter was also forced into
retirement during the first of the two safety car sessions that followed
in quick succession.

Narain Karthikeyan sparked the
opener, maintaining Singapore's 100% record for safety cars over its
five-year run, sliding his HRT into a wall on entry into Anderson Bridge
from which there was no recovery.

The safety car pitted after running
for five laps, but not for a moment of drama as Button nearly ran into
the back of Vettel at one point shortly before the restart.

Crunch: Michael Schumacher crashes into Jean-Eric Vergne

However, it was not long before
safety car driver Bernd Maylander was back on track as for the second
successive year at this track, Schumacher ran into the back of a rival.

On this occasion the seven-time
champion was late on to the brakes of his Mercedes, hurtling into the
rear of Jean-Eric Vergne's Toro Rosso.

After clambering from their cars Schumacher and Vergne embraced one another rather than engaging in any finger pointing.

Although both cars had slid down an
escape road, there was enough debris on track to force the safety car
quickly back into play.

Strong race: Button performed well to finish second

But once it disappeared, for the
leaders the rest of the race was fairly routine, with Vettel finishing
8.9secs clear of Button, with Alonso grinding out another podium.

Behind the trio, Force India's Paul
Di Resta grabbed a career-high fourth, followed by Mercedes' Nico
Rosberg and Kimi Raikkonen in his Lotus, the Finn now 45 points adrift
in the title race.

Team-mate Romain Grosjean was seventh,
followed by Ferrari's Felipe Massa, Daniel Ricciardo in his Toro Rosso
and Red Bull's Mark Webber, surely out of the title running now as he is
61 points down.

Scenic: Many look forward to the Singapore race for its interesting views

Following his 23rd career win, an ecstatic Vettel said: 'This is one of the toughest races all year, two hours, the circuit is a killer and the race seems to go on forever.

'Obviously we benefited from Lewis' retirement, the pace was there, so I'm incredibly happy and proud.

'I'd like to dedicate it to a very special man, Sid Watkins (former race doctor and FIA medical delegate who recently passed away), a big thank you to him.'

Star power: Katy Perry was present and correct

Button said: 'That was a pretty tough two hours for us. It's a good second place. We all want to win, but you can't win them all.

'For us as a team another failure is not great for us.'

Alonso, who continues to hang on to the lead as his rivals trip over themselves, said: 'This is one of the best tracks to drive, it was a fun race again.'

This way: Grid girls line up before the start

Ready to go: Vettel at the start of the race

Hungarian Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton on pole for McLaren

Posted on July 28, 2012 by adminsports

Dominant Hamilton tops charts in Hungary, clinching pole from Grosjean and Vettel

UPDATED:

13:23 GMT, 28 July 2012

Lewis Hamilton will start the Hungarian Grand Prix from pole position.

The McLaren driver, 62 points behind championship leader Fernando Alonso, improved his title chances by topping qualifying at the Hungaroring.

Lotus driver Romain Grosjean will start the race from second position, with Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel third.

Top of the pile: Lewis Hamilton was fastest in the Hungaroring

Grid positions

1 Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)

2 Sebastian Grosjean (Lotus)

3 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)

4 Jenson Button (McLaren)

5 Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus)

6 Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)

7 Felipe Massa (Ferrari)

8 Pastor Maldonado (Williams)

9 Bruno Senna (Williams)

10 Nico Hulkenburg (Force India)

Hamilton had looked strong in practice yesterday and he mastered conditions of around 30 degrees at the circuit near Budapest today to make sure of the 22nd pole of his career and the 150th for his team.

Grosjean, eighth in the standings, pipped defending champion Vettel to the second place on the grid.

It capped a disappointing day for Red Bull, who hold a 53-point advantage in the constructors standings.

Vettel's team-mate, Mark Webber, will start 11th on the grid. His title chances had earlier taken a knock when he was pipped to a top 10 spot by Bruno Senna.

Hamilton's team-mate Jenson Button starts fourth, with Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus) in fifth.

Super stuff: Romain Grosjean starts second - his best qualifying performance to date

Super stuff: Romain Grosjean starts second – his best qualifying performance to date

Euro 2012: Tomas Rosicky is fit to play for Czech Republic ahead of Friday"s Russia opener

Posted on June 4, 2012 by adminsports

Czechs handed huge Euro boost as captain Rosicky declared fit for Russia opener

UPDATED:

13:47 GMT, 4 June 2012

The Czech Republic's Euro chances have been handed a boost, as Arsenal's Tomas Rosicky resumed training on Monday.

Rosicky, the Czech's talisman and captain, has been declared fit and resumed training at the Czech base in the Polish city of Wroclaw.

All smiles: Tomas Rosicky (right) seem to enjoy Monday's training session

Rosicky trained for more than an hour and did not seem to have problems.

The Czech team doctor says Rosicky is not limited by the injury and should be available for the team's opening game against Russia on Friday.

Back in the fray: Rosicky will hope to captain the Czech side against Russia on Friday

The Czechs also face Greece and Poland in Group A.

Rosicky injured a calf muscle in Arsenal's last Premier League match on May 13 and has not properly trained since.

His return is a major confidence boost for the team and its chances to succeed at the tournament co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine.

Sports Bound Guide

Sports Bound Guide. Fresh Sports News

Tag Archives: chances

Manchester City and PSG agree personal terms with Edinson Cavani

Manchester United"s Robin van Persie credits position change with injury-free run

Roberto Mancini defiant on Manchester City"s title chances after Newcastle win

Rafael Benitez demands improvement from Chelsea

Manchester City v Ajax, Schalke v Arsenal live

Gareth Barry insists Manchester City not given up on Champions League

Lewis Hamilton has made a big mistake- Martin Whitmarsh

Singapore Grand Prix: Sebatian Vettel wins but Lewis Hamilton breaks down

Hungarian Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton on pole for McLaren

Euro 2012: Tomas Rosicky is fit to play for Czech Republic ahead of Friday"s Russia opener