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  • Oracle's blockbuster surge shows AI trade's growing influence on market – Reuters

    1. Oracle’s blockbuster surge shows AI trade’s growing influence on market  Reuters
    2. Oracle’s sudden AI stardom is giving 1999 energy  CNN
    3. Oracle stock gains 36% to post best day since 1992, adding $244 billion in value  CNBC
    4. One backlog to rule them all: Oracle’s shock that shook Wall Street  home.saxo
    5. Tech giants surge by 40%! Funds return to the extraordinary track.  富途牛牛

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  • Long-Lost Painting By Rubens From 1613 Discovered in Paris Mansion

    Long-Lost Painting By Rubens From 1613 Discovered in Paris Mansion

    A long-lost, dramatic painting of Jesus Christ‘s crucifixion by 17th century Flemish master painter Peter Paul Rubens was found in a mansion in Paris, and will be auctioned this fall.

    Christ on the cross (1613) was discovered by French auctioneer Jean-Pierre Osenat last September, while preparing to selling the private residence in the city’s 6th district, according to AFP, which first reported the news.

    Osenat said the large Baroque painting measuring 42 by 29 inches was “a true profession of faith and a favourite subject for Rubens, a protestant who converted to Catholicism”.

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    “It was painted by Rubens at the height of his talent,” Osenat told AFP, noting the artwork was in “very good condition”.

    “It is an extremely rare and incredible discovery,” he added.

    Osenat said that Christ on the cross was authenticated by German curator and art historian Nils Buttner, who has been Chairman of the Centrum Rubenianum in Antwerp, Belgium since 2021. The artwork’s provenance was also certified through X-ray imaging, pigment analysis, and other methods.

    The painting will also be included in the next Addenda and Corrigenda of Rubens’s catalogue raisonné, reported Artnet News.

    Unlike many of the others works by Rubens produced for the Catholic Church, Christ on the cross was likely made for a private collector. Before the owners of the Parisian mansion where the work was discovered, AFP reported the painting “is thought to have belonged to the 19th-century French academic painter William-Adolphe Bouguereau”.

    The painting is set to be auctioned off by Osenat’s namesake auction house in Fontainebleu, France during a sale on November 30. No other information about the Rubens painting has been released online, including a sales estimate.

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  • Eli Lilly pausing investment in UK as report warns against ‘limited’ NHS uptake of new drugs – The Pharmaceutical Journal

    1. Eli Lilly pausing investment in UK as report warns against ‘limited’ NHS uptake of new drugs  The Pharmaceutical Journal
    2. Merck scraps £1bn expansion in the UK over lack of state investment  BBC
    3. MSD to Leave the London’s Francis Crick Institute’ Skylab as part of UK R&D Wind Down  PharmiWeb.com
    4. Pharma says UK is ‘tumbling down’ rankings for investment  pharmaphorum
    5. Merck Abandons $1.3B R&D Center in London, Boots 125 Employees  BioSpace

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  • The Next Chapter for U.S. Corporate Pension Plans

    The Next Chapter for U.S. Corporate Pension Plans

    Unlocking the Value of Alternative Fixed Income

    With many corporate pension plans now approaching or at their end-state targets, these plans are increasingly turning to alternative fixed income strategies to refine their portfolios. These strategies can enhance diversification, improve yield, and offer better alignment with liability profiles than traditional fixed income alone. While there are a range of products across the credit risk spectrum, we focus here on asset-based finance, private IG credit, direct lending, and leveraged credit, as we believe these categories are particularly well suited to the needs of corporate pension plans. The following sections explore how each can support more efficient, resilient portfolio construction.

    Asset-Based Finance

    ABF offers a flexible toolkit for corporate pension plans seeking to align return objectives with prudent risk management. Strategies span a spectrum: high-grade ABF provides investment-grade exposure with strong downside protection, while higher-yielding products offer enhanced return potential through selective credit or structural complexity. This range allows plan sponsors to tailor allocations based on funding status, duration needs, and de-risking glide paths.

    High-grade ABF is particularly compelling for plans aiming to reduce risk without sacrificing yield. The asset class offers stable contractual cash flows, low mark-to-market volatility, and strong structural protections—attributes well suited to matching projected liability cash flows. As funded ratios improve, sponsors are increasingly shifting from equities into fixed income, and high-grade ABF offers enhanced spread relative to traditional investment-grade credit, delivering yield pickup of 100-150 bps versus IG corporate benchmarks. We also note that ERISA-friendly evergreen fund structures offer corporate pension plans attractive access to the asset class with no limitations on ERISA capital.

    Beyond return enhancement, ABF brings unique diversification. Many segments are tied to distinct economic drivers, such as housing, consumer spending, or lease payments, rather than broad corporate credit cycles. This makes ABF a valuable complement in multi-asset portfolios, especially for sponsors seeking to reduce public market reliance while maintaining yield efficiency.

    ABF’s natural amortization and predictable cash flows also support benefit payment alignment. With typical durations of 3–5 years, it allows sponsors to manage both interest rate and spread duration effectively. Combined with broad sector and structural diversification, ABF offers an efficient path to de-risking, particularly for plans nearing end-state.

    Private IG Credit

    Private IG credit offers corporate pension plans a compelling way to enhance yield, diversify exposures, and better align portfolios with long-term liabilities while maintaining strong credit quality. Spanning corporate credit, high-grade ABF, and real assets, the asset class delivers tailored, privately negotiated transactions with high-quality borrowers, opportunities often unavailable in public markets. These transactions typically provide 100–250bps of incremental spread over public IG benchmarks, supported by structural protections, contractual cash flows, and collateral-backed security packages.

    For plans approaching or at end-state, private IG’s customizable structures and duration profiles directly support liability-driven investing objectives, reduce surplus volatility, and mitigate benchmark concentration risk. As allocations to illiquid credit expand, private IG is emerging as a distinct and attractive complement to traditional exposures. While direct lending will likely remain the “core” allocation within private credit, growing portfolios increasingly require differentiated sources of yield and diversification within illiquid sleeves. Similar to ABF, private IG broadens the opportunity set beyond corporate loans into a spectrum of investment-grade corporate credit, high-grade ABF, and real assets. By pairing core direct lending with complementary allocations to ABF and private IG, corporate pension plans can improve sector balance, capture illiquidity premiums, and build more resilient, diversified income streams that sustain funded status stability over the long term.

    Direct Lending

    Direct lending provides corporate pension plans with access to privately originated, senior-secured loans that can deliver equity-like returns with moderate volatility. These loans are typically extended to middle-market companies and feature floating-rate coupons, structural covenants, and negotiated terms that reduce credit risk and increase resilience to rising interest rates. For underfunded plans seeking return enhancement, direct lending seeks to offer an appealing way to generate meaningful yield without the same mark-to-market sensitivity as public equities while offering a yield premium to traditional fixed income.

    Direct lending also diversifies portfolio exposures away from traditional bond benchmarks. The asset class performance is typically driven by negotiated spread rather than broader market forces, offering diversification benefits relative to traditional bonds. Its underlying exposures, largely tied to idiosyncratic business fundamentals, provide a differentiated return stream that can help reduce overall portfolio volatility. For plans pursuing a blended strategy, seeking to close funding gaps while maintaining disciplined risk control, direct lending can serve as a valuable complement to fixed income and public credit allocations.

    Leveraged Credit

    Leveraged credit, which includes syndicated bank loans and high-yield bonds, represents a liquid, intermediate risk option for corporate pension portfolios. These assets tend to offer higher yields than investment-grade corporate bonds and have shorter durations, making them well suited for plans that require liquidity while managing funding volatility.

    With a return profile that bridges traditional fixed income and equity, leveraged credit strategies can enhance income generation without meaningfully increasing risk. Many strategies offer periodic or daily liquidity, enabling tactical rebalancing within liability-driven portfolios. For CIOs looking to add return-seeking exposure without introducing substantial volatility, diversified leveraged credit funds can provide flexibility and stability in evolving rate environments.

    Conclusion

    U.S. corporate pension plans have entered a new era—one defined by stronger funding, shorter liabilities, and a structurally more resilient portfolio architecture. Yet this progress brings new challenges: as end-state portfolios approach maturity, CIOs must evolve their toolkits to preserve gains, enhance diversification, and future-proof portfolios for long-term success.

    With higher funding levels and increased investment flexibility, corporate pension plans now have an opportunity to shift from defense to offense—redefining what it means to invest prudently in a lower-growth, higher-rate world. We believe that those who embrace a forward-looking, risk-aware approach that incorporates high-quality alternatives may be better prepared to navigate the road ahead.

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  • Hunters is a Hit – TIME for Kids

    Hunters is a Hit – TIME for Kids

    1. Hunters is a Hit  TIME for Kids
    2. Netflix’s New Demon-Filled Fantasy Movie Is Now Bigger Than Anything Else In Its History  MovieWeb
    3. Montgomery County’s Rei Ami Finds Worldwide Fame in Record-Breaking Netflix Film KPop Demon Hunters  The MoCo Show –
    4. What the Directors of KPop Demon Hunters Watch (and Listen To) With Their Kids  Vulture
    5. The Electric State becomes Netflix’s most expensive flop as KPop Demon Hunters sets streaming record  Hindustan Times

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  • High flood alert issued for Balochistan

    High flood alert issued for Balochistan

    National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday issued a flash floods warning for Balochistan, stating that southern and eastern districts of the province may face torrential rains over the next 24 to 48 hours, Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported a private news channel as saying.

    Heavy downpours are expected in Lasbela, Hub, Khuzdar, Awaran, Barkhan, Sui, Sibi, Dera Bugti, Naseerabad, Kohlu, Kalat, Zhob, Kech, Gwadar, Pasni, Ormara, Surab and southern Washuk.

    Authorities cautioned that the rainfall could pose serious threats to local communities and infrastructure. Officials said flash flooding is highly likely in seasonal streams and rivers in Wadh, Khuzdar, Bela, Ormara and Hingol Valley.

    The surging water may damage mud houses, crops, farmland, and rural roads, with villages near waterways facing the highest risk.

    The NDMA has instructed local administrations to deploy rescue teams, prepare emergency shelters, and remain ready to restore road access in affected areas.

    Citizens have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in flood-prone zones, and to keep away from weak structures, electricity poles, and trees.

    Motorists have been advised to park vehicles in safe places and avoid crossing inundated roads or underpasses. Farmers have also been warned to take urgent steps to protect their crops.

    NDMA appealed to the public to strictly follow safety advisories, remain alert to weather updates, and immediately inform authorities of any unusual situation.

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  • Cillian Murphy Isn’t Playing Voldemort

    Cillian Murphy Isn’t Playing Voldemort

    Harry Potter fans are going to have to find a new dream casting for Lord Voldemort.

    Cillian Murphy was the guest on Thursday’s episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast, where one of the topics he and host Josh Horowitz discussed was the rumors, largely fueled by fans, that he would portray the villain in the original Harry Potter films, Voldemort, in the upcoming reboot TV series from HBO. Ralph Fiennes previously played the role.

    Horowitz asked if there was anything to those rumors, to which Murphy replied, “No, my kids show me it occasionally, but no, I don’t know anything about that. I mean, also, it’s just really hard to follow anything Ralph Fiennes does. The man is an absolute acting legend. So, good luck to whoever is going to fill those shoes.” 

    The Harry Potter films kicked off in 2001 with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, based on J.K. Rowling’s novels and continued with eight films total, seeing Harry’s story conclude in 2011 with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.

    In the TV series, which is set to debut on HBO and HBO Max in 2027, Dominic McLaughlin has been cast as Harry Potter; Arabella Stanton will play Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout is set to portray Ron Weasley. Each of the seven books is expected to have its own season. Click here to see the full list of who’s who in the Harry Potter TV series.

    As for Murphy, his upcoming projects include the Netflix film, Steve, premiering on the streamer Oct. 3, a Peaky Blinders film, The Immortal Man, set to hit theaters in 2026 and the sequel 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, releasing in theaters in January 2026.

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  • Key 2026 Figures Calculated by Thomson Reuters Checkpoint Based on Inflation Data Now Available

    Many tax, expensing, and penalty figures are adjusted annually for cost-of-living increases. These adjustments reflect the average chained Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all-urban customers (C-CPI-U) for the 12-month period ending the previous August 31.

    The August 2025 CPI summary has been released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Using the chained CPI for August 2025 (and the preceding 11 months), Thomson Reuters Checkpoint has calculated the 2026 indexed amounts for nearly 250 figures.

    • For the income tax brackets, the standard deduction amounts, and a number of other individual items, see here.
    • For transfer tax and foreign items, see here,
    • For health, charitable, compliance, and other specialty items, see here,
    • For civil penalties, see here
    • For expensing and accounting method limitations, see here

    Below are some highlights for 2026.

    Tax rate schedules

    The tax rate schedules for 2026 will be as follows.

    For married individuals filing joint returns and surviving spouses:

    • If taxable income is not over $24,800; the tax is 10% of taxable income
    • If taxable income is over $24,800 but not over $100,800; the tax is $2,480.00 plus 12% of the amount over $24,800
    • If taxable income is over $100,800 but not over $211,400; the tax is $11,157.00 plus 22% of the amount over $100,800
    • If taxable income is over $211,400 but not over $403,550; the tax is $35,302.00 plus 24% of the amount over $211,400
    • If taxable income is over $403,550 but not over $512,450; the tax is $82,048.00 plus 32% of the amount over $403,550
    • If taxable income is over $512,450 but not over $768,700; the tax is $114,462.00 plus 35% of the amount over $512,450
    • If taxable income is over $768,700; the tax is $206,583.50 plus 37% of the amount over $768,700

    For single individuals (other than heads of households and surviving spouses):

    • If taxable income is not over $12,400; the tax is 10% of taxable income
    • If taxable income is over $12,400 but not over $48,475; the tax is $1,240.00 plus 12% of the amount over $12,400
    • If taxable income is over $48,475 but not over $105,700; the tax is $5,800.00 plus 22% of the amount over $48,475
    • If taxable income is over $105,700 but not over $201,775; the tax is $17,966.00 plus 24% of the amount over $105,700
    • If taxable income is over $201,775 but not over $256,225; the tax is $41,024.00 plus 32% of the amount over $201,775
    • If taxable income is over $256,225 but not over $640,600; the tax is $58,448.00 plus 35% of the amount over $256,225
    • If taxable income is over $640,600; the tax is $192,979.25 plus 37% of the amount over $640,600

    For heads of household:

    • If taxable income is not over $17,700: the tax is 10% of taxable income
    • If taxable income is over $17,700 but not over $67,450; the tax is $1,770.00 plus 12% of the excess over $17,700
    • If taxable income is over $67,450 but not over $105,700; the tax is $7,740.00 plus 22% of the excess over $67,450
    • If taxable income is over $105,700 but not over $201,750; the tax is $16,155.00 plus 24% of the excess over $105,700
    • If taxable income is over $201,750 but not over $256,200; the tax is $39,207.00 plus 32% of the excess over $201,750
    • If taxable income is over $256,200 but not over $640,600; the tax is $56,631.00 plus 35% of the excess over $256,200
    • If taxable income is over $640,600; the tax is $187,031.50 plus 37% of the excess over $640,600

    For marrieds filing separate returns:

    • If taxable income is not over $12,400; the tax is 10% of taxable income
    • If taxable income is over $12,400 but not over $50,400; the tax is $1,240.00 plus 12% of the excess over $12,400
    • If taxable income is over $50,400 but not over $105,700; the tax is $5,800.00 plus 22% of the excess over $50,400
    • If taxable income is over $105,700 but not over $201,775; the tax is $17,966.00 plus 24% of the excess over $105,700
    • If taxable income is over $201,775 but not over $256,225; the tax is $41,024.00 plus 32% of the excess over $201,775
    • If taxable income is over $256,225 but not over $384,350; the tax is $58,448.00 plus 35% of the excess over $256,225
    • If taxable income is over $384,350; the tax is $103,291.75 plus 37% of the excess over $384,350

    For estates and trusts:

    • If taxable income is less than $3,300; the tax is 10% of taxable income
    • If taxable income is over $3,300 but not over $11,700; the tax is $330.00 plus 24% of the excess over $3,300
    • If taxable income is over $11,700 but not over $16,000; the tax is $2,346.00 plus 35% of the excess over $11,700
    • If taxable income is over $16,000; the tax is $3,851.00 plus 37% of the excess over $16,000

    Standard deductions

    The basic standard deduction for 2026 will be:

    • Joint return or surviving spouse: $32,200
    • Single (not head of household or surviving spouse): $16,100
    • Head of household: $24,150
    • Married filing separate returns: $16,100

    Earned income tax credit

    For 2026, the maximum amount of earned income on which the earned income tax credit will be computed is $8,680 for taxpayers with no qualifying children, $13,020 for taxpayers with one qualifying child, and $18,290 for taxpayers with two or more qualifying children.

    For 2026, the phaseout of the allowable earned income tax credit will begin at $18,140 for joint filers with no qualifying children ($10,860 for others with no qualifying children), and at $31,160 for joint filers with one or more qualifying children ($23,890 for others with one or more qualifying children).

    The amount of disqualified income (generally investment income) a taxpayer may have before losing the entire earned income tax credit is $12,200 for 2026.

    Refundable child credit

    The child credit is refundable, subject to the limit described below, to the extent of the greater of:

    • 15% of earned income above $2,500, or
    • For taxpayers with three or more qualifying children, the excess of the taxpayer’s social security taxes for the tax year over his or her earned income tax credit for the year.

    The refundable portion of the child tax credit for any qualifying child can’t exceed $2,200 for 2026.

    Capital gains

    For 2026, the capital gains tax rates will be as follows:

    The 0% capital gains rate applies to adjusted net capital gain of up to:

    • Joint returns and surviving spouses—$98,900
    • Single filers and married taxpayers filing separately—$49,450
    • Heads of household—$66,200
    • Estates and trusts—$3,300

    The 15% capital gains tax rate applies to adjusted net capital gain over the amount subject to the 0% rate, and up to:

    • Joint returns and surviving spouses—$613,700
    • Married taxpayers filing separately—$306,850
    • Heads of household—$579,600
    • Single filers—$545,500
    • Estates and trusts—$16,250

    The 20% capital gains tax rate applies to adjusted net capital gain over the above 15% maximum amounts.

    Section 179 expensing

    The amount that may be expensed under IRC § 179 for 2026 will be $2,560,000. For 2026, the expensing limit will be reduced when more than $4,090,000 of expensing-eligible property is placed in service. For sport utility vehicles not subject to the IRC § 280F limitation, the amount that can be expensed under IRC § 179 is $32,000.

    Unified estate and gift tax exclusion amount

    For gifts made and estates of decedents dying in 2026, the exclusion amount will be $15,000,000

    Retirement-related inflation-adjusted items

    • IRA contribution limit: $7,500; catch-up (age 50+): $1,100
    • Deductible IRA MAGI phaseouts:
      • Joint: $129,000–$149,000
      • Single/HOH: $81,000–$91,000
      • MFS: $0–$10,000
      • Married, not active but spouse is: $242,000–$252,000
    • Roth IRA MAGI phaseouts:
      • Joint: $242,000–$252,000
      • Single/HOH: $153,000–$168,000
      • MFS: $0–$10,000
    • Saver’s Credit AGI limits:
      • Joint: 50% credit up to $48,500; 0% above $80,500
      • HOH: 50% up to $36,375; 0% above $60,375
      • Others: 50% up to $24,250; 0% above $40,250

     

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  • Stability, Focus Could Create Breakthrough for Nolan Siegel in 2026

    Stability, Focus Could Create Breakthrough for Nolan Siegel in 2026

    Tony Kanaan saw something that others didn’t.

    During a turbulent Month of May in 2024, then-rookie Nolan Siegel faced adversity few young drivers could weather. Driving for Dale Coyne Racing, he endured two significant crashes, one in practice and the other in qualifying for the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. He didn’t qualify for the race.

    Kanaan, the 2004 INDYCAR SERIES champion and 2013 Indy 500 winner, was working with Arrow McLaren that year. Amid the chaos, Kanaan noticed Siegel’s maturity, rare traits in an 18-year-old under pressure. Kanaan offered mentorship and guidance.

    That impression stuck.

    Siegel entered the 2024 season as a part-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver with Dale Coyne Racing, while also competing full time in INDY NXT by Firestone with HMD Motorsports. Missing the show at Indy didn’t dent his pride. He returned to the INDY NXT grid the following weekend on the streets of Detroit, then went to France to race with United Autosport in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he helped deliver a class win in LMP2.

    Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, is also a co-owner of United Autosport. That win and Siegel’s professionalism throughout a challenging month put him on Arrow McLaren’s radar.

    Just days later, back in the United States, Siegel stepped in for Agustín Canapino at Juncos Hollinger Racing at Road America, showcasing not only speed but adaptability. Kanaan lobbied Brown to take a closer look at the California native, and by the June 23 race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Siegel was behind the wheel of the No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet on a multiyear deal.

    Unfortunately, the 26 starts since joining Arrow McLaren have logged just three top-10 finishes. But the team isn’t wavering in its support for Siegel. Even as big names like Will Power floated into free agency this offseason, Arrow McLaren remains committed to Siegel alongside teammates Pato O’Ward and Christian Lundgaard.

    The team strives to see this process through.

    This summer, Arrow McLaren made a major move to bolster its program, hiring longtime INDYCAR SERIES veteran Kyle Moyer as director of competition. Moyer, who parted ways with Team Penske in May after two of the team’s cars were found to be illegally modified, brought decades of experience from leadership roles at Penske and Andretti Global.

    Hand-picked by Team Principal Kanaan, Moyer’s first official day on the job was a late June 2025 test at Iowa Speedway, where his mission was clear – guide Siegel.

    “I think that was a huge pleasure and is a huge learning opportunity for me,” Siegel said of Moyer’s arrival.

    Kyle Moyer

    Moyer (photo, above) was placed on Siegel’s pit stand alongside Scott Harner, the team’s director of race operations.

    “We have a really strong group of people on the stand,” Siegel said.

    The chemistry took time, but the trio clicked during the second half of the season. Siegel finished 21st in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES standings, down one spot from before Moyer joined, but that dip came largely due to a concussion-like injury that forced him to miss the second Iowa race. He was scheduled to start fifth but scored just three points after sitting out.

    “It’s great to have someone with that experience on the stand,” Siegel said of Moyer. “I’ve learned a lot from him. Everyone on the stand has. He’s making the No. 6 car better. He’s making the whole team better.

    “2026 has to be another notch up for us. We have to produce results, and I think Kyle (Moyer) will help us do that.”

    While Siegel’s results may not leap off the page, the context matters.

    Stability is a luxury Siegel hasn’t enjoyed until last season. He expects that consistency – and focus on one machine – to accelerate next season with similar personnel from 2025.

    In 2023, Siegel raced seven different cars across multiple series. In 2024, he split time between three INDYCAR teams and raced LMP2 entries in the IMSA Rolex 24 At Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

    The 2025 season marked the first time in his young career that his focus narrowed, but the adjustment wasn’t without growing pains. Personnel changes and midseason shakeups still created a steep learning curve.

    But with a full-time ride, a seasoned support staff and the confidence of the respected Kanaan, 2026 is shaping up to be a potential breakout season for Siegel.

    Nolan Siegel

    Still, he knows it’s on him to deliver.

    “The stability is nice, it’s not something I’ve really had at all in my career,” Siegel said. “I’ve always kind of raced a bunch of different stuff. Putting full focus on this is a big change, and in a good way. I’m looking forward to the rest of it.

    “Driving just the Indy car is one thing. Driving just the Arrow McLaren Indy cars is big. Working with the same people is even bigger.”


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  • New Zealand v South Africa quarter-final preview

    New Zealand v South Africa quarter-final preview

    New Zealand come into their quarter-final against South Africa as one of the form teams looking to go all the way. A sweep of pool-stage victories against Spain, Japan, and Ireland gave the Black Ferns top seeding in Pool C, and they will feel primed to go all the way as they go on the hunt for a seventh Women’s Rugby World Cup title. They have a wealth of squad depth at their disposal, including young sensations Jorja Miller and Braxton Sorensen-McGee, as well as a legend of the game in the form of Portia Woodman-Wickliffe.

    South Africa, meanwhile, are appearing in their first ever quarter-final of a Women’s World Cup after they registered victories over Brazil and Italy in the first two rounds of their campaign. They lost to France in their final match of the pool stage, but won’t be dwelling on that as they look to make further history with a place in the semi-finals. They are captained by second-row Nolusindiso Booi, while Libbie Janse van Rensburg and live-wire scrum-half Nadine Roos will be pulling the strings for the Women Boks in Exeter.

    Kick-off: 13:00 BST, Saturday, 13 September

    Venue: Sandy Park, Exeter

    If you have a ticket already, make sure you read Emily Tuttosi’s top tips for a great time in Exeter!

    Want to go to the game but don’t have a ticket yet? Head here to get a last-minute deal.

    Or check out our Global Guide to the TV options in your region.

    New Zealand team

    New Zealand’s key player: Jorja Miller seems an obvious choice not only for her incredible ability, but also because she’ll be key to keeping South Africa’s physical pack on their toes with her nuisance work at the breakdown. However, we’re going to shine the spotlight on Braxton Sorensen-McGee, one of the tournament’s top try-scorers despite only being 18 years old. South Africa’s back three will have their work cut out making sure Sorensen-McGee isn’t able to add to her two hat-tricks already notched at Rugby World Cup 2025.

    South Africa team

    South Africa’s key player: South Africa’s diminutive scrum-half Nadine Roos has twice made our fantasy team of the week after huge performances against Brazil and France, and will be key to South Africa’s ability to move the ball around Sandy Park at a tempo that suits their style. She will also be at the back of the set piece, (figuratively) pushing and steering a big pack of forwards as they attempt to dismantle a strong Black Ferns defence by no doubt going straight through the middle.

    What New Zealand said

    New Zealand head coach Allan Bunting:

    “We were proud of our performance last week. There’s areas across the field that we want to improve and build on and certainly want to get better, we know what’s coming this weekend with South Africa. We are here on a mission and this weekend is really important for us. Some of it was looking after our players, obviously, but we’re all 32. We picked them here for a reason and we’ve got all the faith in the world of them to go all the way in this tournament and we know they’re going to put the best forward and we know the challenge at is coming.”

    New Zealand flanker Jorja Miller:

    “Growing up as Kiwis we know about the rivalry between the All Blacks and the Springboks, and even in the last week, but we also want to grow our rivalries now, especially with the South African women’s team because they’re just at the beginning but they’ve got a really strong team so it will be exciting.”

    What South Africa said

    South Africa coach Swys de Bruin:

    “We were 13th and 12th in the rankings last year, and Italy 7th. So that gave us massive confidence. Even in the Black Ferns game when we played them in Cape Town, their ‘B’ team, to beat them gave us massive confidence. It’s a matter of belief, anything can happen. We believe in miracles, so you never know. I think the pressure if you’re underdogs is on them. There’s nothing on us. I’ve seen with these ladies, if you put the bar there they push it higher. They are unreal if it comes to challenging them.”

    South Africa captain Nolusindiso Booi:

    “I already had nerves, so it’s a good thing I’m feeling that way now, so that when we get to the field, I know exactly what’s expected of me. I have to give everything for the team, because I don’t believe we are going there to just play the game. I believe we can do something. Coach always talks about miracles, and we have a strong pack, 32 players which are behind us, including our fans at home, our families and everyone out there, so we’ll give everything we have. It’s my last World Cup, so for me it’s about giving everything because I know that after we’re done, I won’t touch a rugby ball again.”

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