Matthieu Jalibert returns as France target Six Nations title against … — and more

The fly half is back from injury for France’s trip to Edinburgh

After five defeats in six, they had dropped to 13th in the table amid fears of them missing out on a European-placed finish. But Eddie Howe and his players responded valiantly.

Bahrain and Saudi Arabia remain on the F1 calendar for 2026, but the status of both events is still in question. With time running out, F1 needs to decide soon if those races will go ahead as planned.

This year’s season begins with the Australian Grand Prix returning as the opening race, followed by a trip to China before teams head to Suzuka. But before then, a decision is expected on whether Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will remain part of the schedule.

There has been talk about Japan potentially hosting back-to-back races, which would put extra pressure on Aston Martin and Honda if their underperforming power units have to go through two races in front of local fans.

What happens to F1 if Bahrain and Saudi Arabian grands prix don’t go ahead?

Adam Williams weighed in on the issue, saying: “F1 and the event organisers will be covered for this eventuality to an extent, I’d have thought. There was a lot of debate about what was and wasn’t covered in insurance agreements when the pandemic hit, so it’s a nuanced question.

“Many agreements have a ‘war exclusion’ clause, but I’d expect that, given their geography, the organisers of the Bahrain and Jeddah races would have seen this as a material risk, so would have paid for war cover. Without seeing the contracts, we can’t say for sure, however. Either way, even if they do have cover, you’re going to get back some of the money you’d have made in revenue if the race had gone ahead, but not all of it.

“And matters are complicated by the commercial structure of Formula 1 – there could be different layers of loss and insurance at the local level, for broadcasters and sponsors, and for F1 itself. Also, would F1 cancel the races altogether, replace them or suspend them? That’s another factor.

“There is something of a precedent in the 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix being cancelled because of the Arab Spring… but that was resolved commercially and politically rather than through insurers,” Williams continued.

“I appreciate there are a lot of ifs and buts there… Clearly though safety has to be first – not just fans or drivers either.”

Other venues in Europe like Imola and Portimao are also being discussed as alternatives.

Formula 1 nearing deadline for decision on Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races

With practice in Bahrain set to begin on 10 April, the clock is ticking. Teams face a tight timeline, not only to prepare for the event but also to manage the complex logistics that come with a global racing calendar.

Freight schedules and travel plans don’t leave much room for uncertainty. According to a report from BBC Sport, teams may have to start sending equipment immediately after the Chinese Grand Prix if no decision has been made by then.

Both circuits are believed to pay over £75 million each in hosting fees, which includes support races like Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy.

The chances of finding replacements on short notice seem slim. Organising a Grand Prix involves ticket sales, local planning and a massive logistical effort that can’t be arranged overnight.

Adding to that, the same report downplays the idea of back-to-back races at Suzuka, suggesting there’s ‘little benefit’ compared to the strain it would put on teams and staff.

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Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni is reportedly bracing for a hostile reception from the AC Milan faithful ahead of Sunday’s Serie A derby. 

According to Tuttosport via FCInterNews, the 26-year-old is likely to face backlash from fans due to his controversial actions in February’s Derby d’Italia.

Despite being one of Europe’s most highly rated center-backs, Alessandro Bastoni has found himself in the crosshairs of angry supporters.

Indeed, his theatrical dive in last month’s Serie A clash against Juventus has brought him under heavy scrutiny.

Fans all over the county have booed the Azzurri star since his infamous Derby d’Italia antics.

Inter Milan Center-Back Alessandro Bastoni to Face Backlash from AC Milan Fans

BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 16: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and FC Internazionale at Gewiss Stadium on March 16, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Unfazed by off-field turmoil, Bastoni continues to be the cornerstone of Inter’s defense.

Moreover, nothing will change this weekend, as Cristian Chivu has no intention of benching his defensive stalwart.

However, Bastoni could suffer the same fate as Ronaldo ‘Il Fenomeno,’ whom Inter fans labeled as a ‘traitor’ when he joined Milan in 2007.

Needless to say, the Brazilian legend faced relentless jeers from opposing fans in similar high-stakes showdowns.