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Japan's July factory output slumps, raises pressure on manufacturers
Japan's July factory output slumps, raises pressure on manufacturers
TOKYO Japan's factory output fell more than expected in July, signalling a rocky start to the second half
2023-08-31 08:58
China trade tumbles in May, adding to signs economic recovery is slowing
China trade tumbles in May, adding to signs economic recovery is slowing
China’s exports fell 7.5% from a year earlier in May and imports were down 4.5%, adding to signs an economic recovery is slowing
2023-06-07 12:42
Zhou Guanyu interview: ‘There is a lot of pressure in F1 – only winners stay in this sport’
Zhou Guanyu interview: ‘There is a lot of pressure in F1 – only winners stay in this sport’
There’s no place like home. For most of the Formula 1 grid, a return to familiar comforts at a much-loved circuit is something to behold, thrive and revel in. In fact, it’s only the Haas pairing of Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen and the Alfa Romeo team of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu who have not basked in such an experience in 2023. But all eyes for Zhou – Formula 1’s first Chinese driver in its 73-year history – now point firmly towards 21 April 2024. The sport’s return to one of the world’s powerhouses has, four times, been put on hold due to the pandemic – both the world-altering event itself and the country’s controversial zero-covid policy in the aftermath. Yet next year will see the Shanghai International Circuit host once more; all that was left was for Zhou’s presence to be confirmed. That came on Thursday morning. Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, the 24-year-old penned a one-year extension with Alfa Romeo to race with the Sauber-works team for a third-straight year. F1’s worldwide popularity boom has not diverted past China – and next spring we will see the full impact of Zhou’s spot on the grid. “It’s the dream fulfilled – the first Chinese driver in F1, it’s a huge thing for a massive country like us,” Zhou tells The Independent. “So many more Chinese fans are engaged in F1 compared to the past, obviously me getting into the sport means more people follow the races. “The pressure started two to three years ago, so it’s no longer a surprise. I’ve been through that period. I’m fine with the pressure. Now, it’s all about having a good example to set and inspire younger generations.” That pressure, both from the fanbase and within the paddock itself, is inescapable. Just ask Nyck de Vries: a Formula 2 and Formula E champion, he was ruthlessly axed from his AlphaTauri seat in July after just 10 races. For all the riches of the globe-trotting spectacle, F1 remains undeniably cut-throat. Yet you won’t see Zhou having too much sympathy. “There’s a lot of pressure in Formula 1,” he states. “Only winners stay in this sport. If you can’t perform, if you’re outperformed by others, you’re going to lose the seat. That’s the reality. It’s the way everyone lives. The pressure is there, you don’t have a lot of time and you’ve really got to get on with it. “If you can’t do that, then you won’t stay here for long.” Zhou’s performances behind the wheel of a struggling Alfa car this year – languishing ninth in the Constructors’ Standings no less – have clearly impressed enough for a third bite at the cherry. Four points from 14 races would, typically, be a topic of major concern. Yet with experienced team-mate Bottas only two points up the standings, it is difficult to place too much blame on the drivers in the cockpit. With Audi’s takeover looming large for 2026, work is hurriedly being done in the background. “The results have been difficult to take,” he says. “We didn’t expect Aston Martin and McLaren to be so fast this year. It basically means we are fighting for two positions every week. My total points don’t show how much I’ve improved as a driver. I made some mistakes last year, but this year it’s more about the car.” Zhou’s assuredness stems from a childhood of contrasts: his formative years spent in the hustle and bustle of Shanghai, followed by time as a teenager in the Steel City. Learning a new language and new culture, he went by the name of Steven at Westbourne School in Sheffield. “The culture and language are obviously completely different,” he says. “The education system too…” He pauses. He reflects on memories which quickened his acclimatisation process. “While in Sheffield, I really enjoyed playing pool. Not snooker, that’s more difficult! But also I was very surprised at how many Chinese people were going to university in Sheffield and at how many shops and restaurants there are. It’s quite far from London but you don’t feel like you’re too far out! Everyone was very laid back.” His ascension to F1 came as something of a surprise. Three seasons spent with the Alpine Academy in F2 – with a 2021 finish of third his best showing – saw Alfa come calling. He scored a point on his F1 debut in Bahrain last March. His start was impressive. But then came Silverstone. “It definitely set me back,” Zhou says now, recalling the time his Alfa spun upside-down towards a barrier at the start of the British Grand Prix. Miraculous images with a miraculous outcome: Zhou barely had a graze on him. “It happens. I recovered quite quickly mentally. It was just a shame because I had some very good momentum, I’d twice been in Q3, but I had to have a recharge afterwards. It wasn’t too bad.” Zhou is not one to reminisce too much. Everything is possible for the Chinese driver with a slice of Sheffield inside him. Audi’s arrival in less than three years is “still so far away.” However, he does admit: “Hopefully I can stay when Audi come.” But that’s in the distant future. For now, it’s on to this weekend and the twists and turns of Marina Bay. Read More Alfa Romeo confirm driver line-up for 2024 F1 season Max Verstappen breaks new ground with record victory at Italian Grand Prix Max Verstappen tells Toto Wolff to focus on Mercedes after snipe Hamilton labels Marko’s comments about Perez ‘completely unacceptable’ Sebastian Vettel refuses to rule out return to Formula 1
2023-09-15 15:08
Ravens visiting struggling Chargers, look to continue 30-point scoring streak
Ravens visiting struggling Chargers, look to continue 30-point scoring streak
The Los Angeles Chargers host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night
2023-11-23 02:33
Bowen Schmidt Entertainment Attorneys Named National ELITE Firm of the Year
Bowen Schmidt Entertainment Attorneys Named National ELITE Firm of the Year
SAVANNAH, Ga. & ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 10, 2023--
2023-11-11 03:50
Wearing Shoes Indoors Is Much Grosser Than You Think
Wearing Shoes Indoors Is Much Grosser Than You Think
Warning: You might be shocked to learn what kinds of germs are stuck to the bottoms and even the insides of your favorite shoes.
2023-11-24 23:00
North Korea calls failed spy satellite launch 'the most serious' shortcoming, vows 2nd launch
North Korea calls failed spy satellite launch 'the most serious' shortcoming, vows 2nd launch
A North Korean state media report says top officials have vowed to push for a second attempt to launch a spy satellite during a recently ended meeting of the ruling party
2023-06-19 08:25
Big 12 Notebook: Kansas State defending champ while West Virginia picked at bottom
Big 12 Notebook: Kansas State defending champ while West Virginia picked at bottom
Kansas State is the defending Big 12 champion even though it was TCU that went to the national title game last season
2023-07-14 04:49
Biden interviewed by probe into handling of classified files
Biden interviewed by probe into handling of classified files
President Biden has been interviewed by the special counsel investigating sensitive files found in his home and office.
2023-10-10 08:46
Supreme Court blocks OxyContin maker's bankruptcy deal that would shield Sackler family members
Supreme Court blocks OxyContin maker's bankruptcy deal that would shield Sackler family members
The Supreme Court has blocked a nationwide settlement with OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma that would shield members of the Sackler family who own the company from civil lawsuits over the toll of opioids
2023-08-11 03:41
Stephen Curry names the 3 toughest defenders of his career
Stephen Curry names the 3 toughest defenders of his career
Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors guard, recently revealed his personal power rankings of the NBA's toughest defenders.Usually, it's defenders that are scared of Stephen Curry.His ability to shoot the ball from deep, combined with his ball handling, relentless off-ball movement,...
2023-08-02 00:32
UPS plans to hire more than 100,000 holiday workers this year, on par with last year
UPS plans to hire more than 100,000 holiday workers this year, on par with last year
UPS plans to hire more than 100,000 workers _ at higher pay than a year ago _ to help handle the holiday rush this season, in line with hiring the previous three years
2023-09-26 20:19