With an extensive history in endurance racing, Gibson supplies engines to LMP2 teams competing in various motorsport series around the world, such as the world famous 24 Hours of Le Mans. Last year the company was named by motorsport governing bodies, the ACO and FIA, as the official powertrain provider for the next generation LMP2 category, which will be introduced in 2028.

Alongside its race engines, Gibson utilises its motorsport experience to provide a host of advanced engineering consultancy services to other companies in the automotive and manufacturing industries.

Commenting on the appointment, Danny Rughoobeer, managing director at Red Marlin, said: “Gibson Technology is a company we’ve admired for many years, so we’re thrilled to be working with them and playing a key role in the next part of their journey. They have some incredibly exciting plans for the future, and we look forward providing our full range of marketing and communication services to help make these projects a real success.”

Red Marlin itself has considerable experience within the motorsport and advanced engineering sectors making them an ideal partner for Gibson. Previously, Red Marlin ran the global communications activities for the Iron Lynx motorsport team, as well as supporting various companies like Yokohama tyres who are involved in numerous race series around the world.

Mark Brittan, managing director at Gibson Technology, said: “The demands within the motorsport industry are quite unique so it was important for us to find an agency partner who has proven expertise in this area. Red Marlin matched these requirements but also showed that they will be able to add significant value beyond the racetrack, which will be critical as we continue to develop and evolve our business.”

For more information about Gibson Technology, its race engines and other advanced engineering services, visit www.gibsontech.co.uk.

Dakar Rally 2025: Approaching the Finish Line

The 2025 Dakar Rally has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, with competitors showcasing incredible determination and skill across challenging terrains. With Stage 11 concluded on January 16, the race is set to finish with a shortened 61 km timed section on January 17. Here are the key highlights:

Motorcycle Category

• Stage 11 Triumph: Spanish rider Tosha Schareina secured his first stage victory, completing the stage in 2 hours, 12 minutes, and 4 seconds. His impressive performance placed him ahead of Argentina’s Luciano Benavides and France’s Adrien Van Beveren.

• Overall Standings: Australia’s Daniel Sanders remains in the lead with a total time of 52 hours, 13 minutes, and 34 seconds. Schareina is 9 minutes behind in second place, while Van Beveren sits third, trailing by 15 minutes and 50 seconds.

Car Category

• Stage 11 Performance: Sweden’s Mattias Ekström, driving for Ford, claimed the stage win, edging out Qatar’s Nasser Al-Attiyah by 41 seconds. Yazeed Al-Rajhi from Saudi Arabia finished third in the stage.

• Overall Standings: Yazeed Al-Rajhi leads the category with a cumulative time of 51 hours, 53 minutes, and 36 seconds. South Africa’s Henk Lategan follows, 6 minutes and 11 seconds behind, with Ekström in third place, 22 minutes and 34 seconds adrift.

Notable Incidents

• Laia Sanz’s Withdrawal: Spanish competitor Laia Sanz, alongside co-driver Maurizio Gerini, had to withdraw after overturning their vehicle in Stage 1. This incident marked the end of her remarkable streak of 14 consecutive Dakar completions.

The Dakar Rally’s final stage promises intense action, as the leaders aim to maintain their positions while others strive to make last-minute gains.

Formula 1: Rwanda’s Historic Bid to Host a Grand Prix

Rwanda has taken a significant step towards making history by launching a bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix. President Paul Kagame unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art racetrack near a new international airport in Kigali, with the aim of bringing F1 back to Africa for the first time since 1993. This move aligns with the sport’s push for innovation and sustainability while highlighting the growing interest in motorsport on the African continent. If successful, Rwanda’s Grand Prix would mark a milestone for F1 and African motorsport.

Formula E: A Return to Free-to-Air Television

In a major broadcasting shift, Formula E will return to free-to-air television for the 2024/25 season. ITV has secured the rights to broadcast live races and highlights, with coverage available on ITV4 and the ITVX app. This new partnership also introduces Nicki Shields as the series’ first female lead presenter, joined by a team of experts including Billy Monger and Catie Munnings. The move is expected to significantly broaden Formula E’s audience and showcase its exciting electric racing to a wider demographic.

Max Verstappen’s Heartwarming Charitable Gesture

Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 World Champion, has demonstrated his commitment to giving back. After winning the 2024 championship, Verstappen fulfilled a bet with Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds, resulting in a $250,000 charitable donation. The funds were split between Wings For Life, a charity focused on curing spinal cord injuries, and initiatives aimed at promoting women’s participation in motorsport. Verstappen’s gesture underscores the positive impact that high-profile athletes can have beyond their sport.

Australian Speedway: Rising Stars to Watch

Australia’s motorsport scene is abuzz with emerging talent in the speedway arena. South Australia, in particular, is witnessing the rise of young stars such as the Pitcher Sisters from Murray Bridge, 20-year-old Brad Vaughan from Angaston, and 16-year-old Demi Jennings from Mount Gambier. These promising racers are making waves in their respective divisions and contributing to the vibrant future of Australian motorsport.

Looking Ahead

This week’s updates highlight the diversity and dynamism of motorsport. From the resilience shown in the Dakar Rally to innovative developments in Formula 1 and Formula E, and the rising talent in Australia, the world of motorsport continues to captivate fans around the globe. As we look forward to upcoming races and announcements, the excitement and passion for the sport remain as strong as ever.

Ahead of an athletic summer of sport, Chapelton-based staff and homeowners from Brio Retirement Living’s Landale Court have kicked off a mammoth walk – travelling 737 miles to reach Paris on August 11^th.

The impressive task – which is taking place over three UK-wide Brio developments – is entitled ‘Brio’s Steps to Wellness’. The sprightly team are challenging themselves physically, whilst raising much-needed funds for Age Scotland, by virtually travelling the distance from Scotland to Paris by clocking up the miles via onsite challenges including daily steps, taking part in Brio exercise classes, visiting the onsite Slate & Grain brasserie, bar and coffee lounge, by partaking in mini-athletics and track and field games, and many more activities that are planned over the coming month.

Their live progress is being shared via screens around the development – with the walk kicking off from Landale Court in Aberdeenshire, stopping off at Beechwood Park in Stow on the Wold, heading over to Button House in London before crossing the channel to Paris.

The challenge is the brainchild of Trish Staite, Operations Director at Brio Retirement Living, who shared: “We are honoured to work alongside a youthful, determined and kind-hearted collective of homeowners here at Brio. Always up for a challenge, we thought it’d be a fabulous way for us all to interact whilst improving our wellbeing and raising much-needed funds for the amazing charity Age Scotland, along the way.

“737 miles initially sounded a tough ask, but everyone has set off with such gusto I wouldn’t be surprised if we smash that target and do a virtual lap or two of the athletics track too! I’m so proud of everyone here at Brio and we look forward to keeping everyone updated on our progress – both in miles and money raised. I wish everyone the very best of luck and will of course be donning my trainers and getting involved too!”

Those keen to follow their journey can do so via the Brio Instagram account here  https://www.instagram.com/brioretirement/

In partnership with Age Scotland, the team are hoping to raise in excess of £1500 in generous donations. Through its 24-hour Advice Line, friendship services and campaigning, Age UK is changing lives, so every older person feels included and valued.

For those wishing to support the Landale Court team, please visit their JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/brio-ageuk-scotland

Brio Retirement Living is reshaping how people experience their later years with the creation of three meticulously planned retirement communities, designed to enable homeowners to lead a rich and full life.

Providing independent, luxury living in Aberdeenshire, the Cotswolds and London, Brio has revolutionised modern retirement for its 55year and 65year plus communities, that have the opportunity to rent, buy or part buy/rent the properties.

For further information on the Landale Court Brio Retirement Living development, please visit https://www.brioretirement.co.uk/our-communities/landale-court-chapelton/

See Sonny’s #passforhome here

The Tottenham Hotspur captain, who has played in the English Premier League since 2015 received a #passforhome from his former Korea Republic teammate Keun-Ho Lee, the Chairman of the Seoul 2024 Local Organising Committee.

Considered by many to be one of the greatest Asian footballers of all time, Heung-Min Son’s involvement in the #passforhome challenge will kick start a journey of hope and inspiration across the globe ahead of the 19th edition of the Homeless World Cup, taking place in Seoul from 21st – 28th September, the first time the tournament has been held in Asia.

The #passforhome campaign, launched by Keun-Ho Lee yesterday (June 27th) aims to enhance awareness and engagement ahead of the Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup. The campaign demonstrates how a simple pass can connect people across the world, showcasing football as an impactful, global and unifying language.

Whilst making his pass to Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Hwang-Lee Chan, Son, who is also Korea Republic’s captain, said:

“This challenge is a powerful campaign to ensure that we can all dream of a better life in a stable home. Join me and others in this wave of change. Your pass of hope can lead to a game winning goal that has the power to transform the world.

Let’s all make an impact together!”

Mel Young, Homeless World Cup co-founder and president, said:

“We are thrilled that the #passforhome challenge is underway, the first pass from Keun-Ho Lee to Heung-Min Son demonstrates the power and reach of the Homeless World Cup, from Seoul to London, this is just the start of our exciting journey to the Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup.

Our hope is that the world will see what can be done when we come together to support and celebrate individuals and organisations who are doing so much to make a difference to people’s lives. We are asking our supporters, old and new, to get involved and make their own #passforhome to their friends, colleagues and family – come together and do something positive to bring attention to the global issue of homelessness.

We are delighted to have the support of one the Premier League’s greatest all time players, Heung-Min Son creates excitement and passion when he steps onto the football pitch and his support ahead of the first Homeless World Cup in Asia is a fantastic moment for everyone involved with the tournament. From Heung-Min Son to Hwang-Hee Chan, this is just the start of the #passforhome challenge and we hope to see many more passes around the world before September.”

There will be nearly 50 countries represented at the tournament and 500 players will compete across 8-days in the world class sporting spectacle.

64 teams have been invited to participate from 49 Homeless World Cup Member Countries, 44 teams in the Men’s Homeless World Cup and 20 teams have been invited to play in the Women’s Homeless World Cup.

Find out more about the tournament

Learn more about the Homeless World Cup’s history

How can you help support the Homeless World Cup

The Homeless World Cup is a world class sporting spectacle which has the power to change the lives of participants and shape attitudes towards the global issue of homelessness, using the universal language of football.

Ahead of the EURO 2024 knockout stages, the perfect formula to help England win a penalty shootout has been revealed, thanks to new research.

The study, conducted by Bonuscodebets.co.uk, analysed all England penalty shootouts throughout history, and reveals that Gareth Southgate should opt for right-footed takers, urge his players to avoid aiming for the bottom right corner and – thankfully for the Three Lions boss – have Jordan Pickford in goal.

In those deciding moments, England have missed 16 of their 51 penalties (31%) – with 12 being saved, two hitting the woodwork and two going over the bar. So, the study aims to provide Southgate’s side the best chances of winning a shootout, statistically speaking.

While considered a higher risk strategy, hitting the ball in the top corner is actually the most likely way to score a penalty, with all nine of England’s spot kicks aimed at the top left/right having beaten the opposition keeper – just as long as they don’t blaze the ball over the bar like David Beckham at EURO 2004.

And, when it comes to areas of the goal to avoid, Harry Kane and co should steer well clear of the bottom right corner. From the 16 penalties England have missed in shootouts, 50% of those have been aimed in that direction.

In fact, only three England spot kicks out of 11 aimed to the bottom right have gone in – giving that shot type a success percentage of just 27%.

On the other hand, Three Lions stars are more likely to score from 12 yards if they aim for the bottom left – with 10 out of 12 being scored, giving an 83% success rate. Gareth Southgate will remember one of those two occasions very well – his shot towards the bottom left being saved by Andreas Köpke to knock England out of EURO 1996 in heartbreaking fashion.

Success rate of all England’s penalties in shootouts by goal segment (not including shots off target):

Diving into the research further, the data indicates that Southgate should avoid picking takers who shoot with their left foot. Lefties end up hitting the back of the net just half of the time – with four being scored and four missed, with failings from the likes of Chris Waddle and Stuart Pearce at the World Cup in Italy in 1990.

By contrast, of the 43 penalties taken by right footers, 31 have been scored (a 72% success rate), making them 44% more likely to score than left-footed players.

When looking at how England fare with facing penalties, 12 opponents have missed, with just six having been saved by an English ‘keeper, three hitting the woodwork, two going wide and one over the bar.

Southgate can thank his lucky stars that he’s got Jordan Pickford in goal. England’s current number one is just one of two goalkeepers to have ever made a shootout save for the Three Lions, and he’s stopped four of the six penalties (66%) England have ever saved – with David Seaman keeping out the other two.

Success rate of all England goalkeepers to participate in penalty shoot-outs:

Of the penalties England have stopped, three of these have been aimed at the keeper’s bottom left – with eight penalties being aimed there, it’s by far the most successful area of the goal for saving penalties, saving 38% of shots aimed that way.

However, the data shows that opposition takers tend to aim to the keeper’s bottom right – with 16 out of the 52 penalties England have faced (31%) aiming there – meaning Pickford might feel it’s better advice to dive down low to his right, and increase the probability of picking the correct direction.

Despite facing eight shots from left-footed players, England are yet to save a lefty penalty, and just one of the eight has not resulted in a goal, Hugo Viana hitting the post for Portugal at the World Cup in 2004.

A spokesperson for Bonuscodebets.co.uk said: “After years of heartbreak, we’ve finally found the formula to help England through their dreaded shootouts – avoid the bottom right corner, stick with right footers, and make sure that you have Jordan Pickford in goal.

“England have won only three penalty shootouts in their history – and even though two of them have been under Gareth Southgate, let’s hope he uses our formula to give the Three Lions the edge in Germany!”

The data, compiled by BonusCodeBets.co.uk, asked Brits about safety concerns while attending a football game, with 43% admitting they’ve felt unsafe on a matchday at least once.

The research also reveals fears over safety is cited as the main reason that 12% of fans now no longer attend matches.

And almost a fifth (17%) of those who haven’t yet felt unsafe at football say they could see a situation where they might be in the future.

Breaking down the data by Premier League club fanbase, it’s Fulham supporters who are most likely to feel unsafe at a game, with more than three quarters (77%) admitting this had been the case previously.

Over half of Aston Villa (56%), AFC Bournemouth and Sheffield United (both 55%) fans have also felt fearful at a stadium.

Top five Premier League fanbases who had the most safety concerns while attending a football match:

At the other end of the table, West Ham followers feel most assured at matches, with 80% saying they’ve never felt unsafe at a game before. They’re closely followed by Newcastle supporters (77%), with Crystal Palace fans third on 68%.

Interestingly, it was men who were more likely to feel intimidated at a game, with 47% saying they’ve felt unsafe at a match before, compared to 39% of women.

A spokesperson from BonusCodeBets.co.uk said: “From our data, we were shocked to learn that almost half of people don’t feel safe at football games in England – and from these stats, we should all be concerned about this.

“Although the days of football hooliganism are mostly behind us, clubs need to do more to ensure that football can continue to be a safe space for those who attend and want to watch their team. The Premier League is the best league in the world in terms of the football, and we need to ensure that coming to watch a game is the best experience in the world.”

The 49-year-old, who previously worked in the oil and gas industry as a technical support engineer, is financially backing the side for a third consecutive year – underlining his support for local grassroots football.

During his first year of sponsorship, his financial backing saw the squad kitted out in brand new football strips, providing them with both a sense of pride and a unified look on the pitch. For the past two years, he has continued to back the team by equipping them with stylish branded training tops.

His connection with Stonehaven Youth FC U14s  began when the son of one of his best pals, Adrian Hay, started playing – with Adrian later taking on the role of manager.

Stonehaven Youth FC is accredited with the SFA Quality Mark, reflecting its commitment to providing youngsters access to the national game while instilling essential life skills and promoting a healthy lifestyle through active sports participation.

Adrian Hay said: “Running a youth team is a labour of love for the volunteers and parents involved and who are passionate about nurturing young footballing talent. Financial support from sponsors like Ovenu Stonehaven is crucial to covering the  various expenses and ensure we continue to offer sporting opportunities to our local youngsters.”

Ross Walker added: “It’s a privilege to support Stonehaven Youth FC U14s and contribute to their growth on and off the field.

“As a local business, I believe in giving something back to the community by playing a part in nurturing the next generation of footballing talent, a sport which also promotes physical and mental health as well as teaching important life skills.”

He founded the business in 2018 to fulfil a long-held ambition to become his own boss and has since earned more than 450 maximum five star client ratings on reviews platform Trustist – which also gave him a diamond rating in recognition of his outstanding customer service.

As well as Stonehaven, Ross also covers Montrose, Banchory, Bridge of Dee, Ardoe, Portlethen, Laurencekirk, Lumphanan, Crathes, Newtonhill, Gourdon and surrounding areas.

The Ovenu valeting process involves dismantling key components of an oven such as the door, interior panels, fan, and shelves and placing them into design-registered tank equipment, which uses safe, non-caustic and environmentally friendly products to clean the oven parts, returning it to near showroom condition.

For more details call Ross on 01569 552344, email stonehaven@ovenu.co.uk or visit https://www.ovenu.co.uk/oven_cleaning/stonehaven/

The English Premier League, widely regarded as one of the most exciting football leagues in the world, attracts millions of fans each season. The stadiums that host these thrilling matches are not only a symbol of pride for the clubs but also a reflection of the passion and support of their loyal fans. In this article, we present a list of the highest stadiums in the Premier League, showcasing their majestic structures and their ability to create an electrifying atmosphere.

1. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – With a towering height of 48 meters, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium stands proudly as the tallest stadium in the Premier League. This state-of-the-art arena, completed in 2019, is home to Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and can accommodate up to 62,850 spectators. Its impressive single-tiered South Stand, often referred to as “The Wall,” boasts a seating capacity of 17,500, making it the largest single-tier stand in the United Kingdom. The breathtaking architecture of the stadium, combined with its cutting-edge facilities, ensures an unforgettable matchday experience for fans.

2. Arsenal Emirates Stadium – Located in North London, the Emirates Stadium is the second tallest stadium in the Premier League, standing at an impressive height of 42 meters. This iconic venue, inaugurated in 2006, is the home ground of Arsenal Football Club and has a seating capacity of 60,704. The stadium’s design incorporates a unique, steel-wrapped bowl structure, offering excellent visibility from every seat. With its vibrant atmosphere and chanting fans, the Emirates Stadium is renowned for creating a powerful atmosphere that pushes the players to perform at their best.

3. Old Trafford – While it may not match the height of the previous two stadiums, Old Trafford, the legendary home ground of Manchester United, still deserves a place on this list. Known as “The Theatre of Dreams,” Old Trafford has been a cornerstone of English football since its opening in 1910. With a seating capacity of 74,140, it is the largest club stadium in the United Kingdom. The stadium has witnessed countless historic moments, including Manchester United’s famous comebacks and title-clinching victories, all contributing to its iconic status and the spine-tingling atmosphere generated by its passionate fans.