Bayern’s Kompany wants focus on Hoffenheim before Sunday’s title party

Bayern’s Kompany wants focus on Hoffenheim before Sunday’s title party
Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany's focus is firmly on the last Bundesliga game of the season at Hoffenheim on Saturday and not the following day's title party in the Bavarian capital, he said on Friday. (AFP/File)
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Updated 16 May 2025

Bayern’s Kompany wants focus on Hoffenheim before Sunday’s title party

Bayern’s Kompany wants focus on Hoffenheim before Sunday’s title party
  • “Now I am only focused on the Hoffenheim game,” said Kompany
  • “That is the absolute priority and the preparation we are doing”

MUNICH: Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany’s focus is firmly on the last Bundesliga game of the season at Hoffenheim on Saturday and not the following day’s title party in the Bavarian capital, he said on Friday.

Bayern secured the Bundesliga title almost two weeks ago in Kompany’s first season in charge, but Saturday’s match could see the Bavarians go for the 100-goal mark this season. They have currently scored 95 league goals this term.

It will also likely mark the second straight top Bundesliga scorer title for Bayern striker Harry Kane in his first two seasons in Germany, with no Bundesliga player ever having managed that feat in their first two seasons.

Kane has netted 25 Bundesliga goals so far this season ahead of Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy with 20.

It is, however, a far more important game for the struggling hosts Hoffenheim, who are three points above the relegation playoff spot currently occupied by Heidenheim.

“For me the anticipation (for the title party in central Munich) is great because that was the goal; to bring the league trophy back to Munich,” Kompany told a press conference.

“But now I am only focused on the Hoffenheim game. That is the absolute priority and the preparation we are doing. We will enjoy what happens after that because we earned it.”

Last season Bayer Leverkusen won a domestic league and Cup double without defeat, snapping the Bavarians’ 11-year title run.

Bayern traditionally present the trophy from the balcony of Munich’s city Hall to thousands of cheering fans.

“I see every title as the first so that’s why I’m looking forward to it,” Belgian Kompany said.

The Bavarians will then go into a two-week break before the squad comes together in early June for the Club World Cup in the United States starting later that month.


Formula E’s GEN4 sets new standards for power, sustainability in motorsport

Formula E’s GEN4 sets new standards for power, sustainability in motorsport
Updated 41 min 6 sec ago

Formula E’s GEN4 sets new standards for power, sustainability in motorsport

Formula E’s GEN4 sets new standards for power, sustainability in motorsport
  • GEN4 delivers a major leap forward in power and technology, with 600kW of output and active all-wheel drive, making it the fastest and most challenging Formula E car to date
  • GEN4 features two aerodynamic configurations — high and low downforce — while 700kW regenerative braking enables the car to recover up to 40% of its race energy

RIYADH: Formula E and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) have unveiled the all-new GEN4 race car — the most advanced, powerful, and sustainable machine in Formula E history — setting a new benchmark for electric racing innovation and performance.

Set to debut in the 2026/27 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, the GEN4 delivers a major leap forward in power and technology, with 600kW of output (equivalent to over 815 horsepower) and active all-wheel drive, making it the fastest and most challenging Formula E car to date.

“The GEN4 is far more than a race car,” said Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E. “It represents over a decade of progress, innovation, and ambition in electric racing. Co-developed with the FIA, it stands as the most advanced, demanding, and sustainable machine we’ve ever built, redefining what’s possible in performance and environmental responsibility.”

The GEN4 features two aerodynamic configurations — high downforce for qualifying and low downforce for races — while 700kW regenerative braking enables the car to recover up to 40 percent of its race energy. With 450kW peak race power, 600kW ATTACK MODE, and a 55kWh energy capacity, the next-generation car is designed to deliver bold strategies and intense wheel-to-wheel action.

“The GEN4 is designed for the pioneers of tomorrow,” said Alberto Longo, Co-Founder and Chief Championship Officer of Formula E. “Its power and active all-wheel drive will test our drivers like never before. Together with the FIA, we’ve created the most challenging Formula E car to master — built for wheel-to-wheel battles and pure racing action.”

Leading the charge in sustainability, the GEN4 features 100 percent recyclable materials, with at least 20 percent recycled content used in its construction. Every component — from the battery systems to tires and bodywork — is designed for circularity and reduced environmental impact.

“We are very proud to present the innovative GEN4 Formula E single-seater — a car that once again raises the bar in terms of electric technology in motorsport,” said Marek Nawarecki, FIA Senior Circuit Sport Director. “This new framework will allow manufacturers to showcase road-relevant technologies like never before, marking the dawn of a bright new era for Formula E.”

’s growing role in Formula E

In a round table with media ahead of the announcement, Jeff Dodds praised ’s continued impact on the championship and its growing role in shaping Formula E’s future.

“, the Kingdom of , Aisha, is a key partner for us,” he told Arab News. “We have sponsorship partners and arrangements with the Public Investment Fund of , with SABIC, the chemical company, with Saudia the airline. So we have a kind of deep-rooted relationship with the Kingdom. We’ve been racing there for a very long time.”

He added that Jeddah’s night race remains one of the most spectacular stops on the Formula E calendar.

“Jeddah, for me, is a really interesting location because what you have is a permanent facility with all the lovely things that come with that, but you have a road-style layout, so it allows us to stay true to our DNA,” he said. “It just so happens that we also have the luxury of having a night race as well, which, of course, with the drones and the fireworks and the lights around the car or the neon parts of the car, just creates an incredible spectacle.”

While the race calendar for Gen4 has yet to be announced, Dodds teased a special moment for fans at the upcoming Jeddah event.

“We actually have a little surprise around the race in Jeddah coming up this year, so you’re definitely going to see some interesting things around the race weekend,” he said.

Dodds also underlined that ’s role extends beyond racing.

“The Kingdom is investing very heavily in next generation energy transition and sustainability, and that is an area we do a lot of partnership with,” he said. “So there’s certainly a key sustainability partner for us as we explore next generation technologies in that space.”

The GEN4 will now enter testing with Porsche, Nissan, Stellantis, Jaguar, and Lola Cars, as manufacturers prepare to fine-tune its performance ahead of the 2026/27 season — marking the beginning of Formula E’s most electrifying chapter yet.