WORLD OF SPORT

F1 announces plan to be carbon neutral by 2030

Formula One have announced plans to become carbon neutral by 2030. The goal to eliminate the sport’s carbon footprint includes not only race cars on the track but the entire F1 circus that accompanies the sport, extending to road and air transport of team employees as well as the transportation of equipment to the tracks all over the world. F1 says it will “move to ultra-efficient logistics and travel and 100 per cent renewably powered offices, facilities and factories” and offset emissions that cannot be cut. They are taking immediate steps in their drive to be environmentfriendly by beginning carbon-reduction projects with the target of making all events “sustainable” by 2025, including eliminating single-use plastics and ensuring all waste is reused, recycled or composted.

Rally Australia cancelled due to raging bushfires

Organisers yesterday cancelled this week’s Rally Australia, the final round of the 2019 FIA World Rally Championship, because of bushfires raging near the Coffs Harbour venue in New South Wales. The event had been scheduled to begin tomorrow and had already been scaled back as Australia struggles to control the blazes that have killed three people. A seven-day state of emergency has been declared with authorities warning that fires will spread quickly amid hot temperatures and strong winds. “Considering the best interests and safety of everyone involved ... it is not appropriate to conduct the rally,” event chairman Andrew Papadopoulos said. “Our thoughts are with the NSW community, especially the people who have lost loved ones, livelihoods and homes.”

Public holiday in Tonga after rugby league wins

The tiny Pacific kingdom of Tonga is to hold a special public holiday on Friday to celebrate rugby league victories over Australia and Great Britain. Tonga beat Great Britain 14-6 and Australia 16-12 in the recent Oceania Cup tournament. The holiday “is in recognition of the outstanding and historical achievement,” Prime Minister Pohiva Tuionetoa said. The team, described by Tuionetoa as coach Kristian Woolf’s “winning warriors”, were forced to play as a Tonga Invitational XIII after the International Rugby League suspended Tonga’s membership when it lost the support of the players and prime minister last month. The move came after the board replaced Australian-born Woolf, as coach during infighting about how the team and sponsorships were being handled.