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Home , 24 Hours of Le Mans, Emanuele Pirro, Frank Biela, Hans Stuck, Jan Lammers, Johnny Herbert

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european superbike VLN Nurburgring European Superbike series Dunlop and back to their round-up winning ways with success at the Nurburgring > page 5 > page 2

Dunlop stars shine at goodwood

Issue Five – JUly ‘09 f2ou wheelr wh NEWSeel NEWS

LeVLN MANS Nurburgring Audi R8 LMS scores first VLN win with Dunlop at Nurburgring >>First outing of Team Phoenix Audi on Dunlop results in race win >>Dunlop and Audi return to their winning ways after first joint race win and championship in 1986

unlop celebrated a new phase and we had three different types Din its relationship with German of tyres from compound and manufacturer Audi as the Team construction. Biela had one, I had Phoenix Audi R8 LMS, having one and Basseng had one. I think switched to for the mine was the best for performance first time, scored Audi’s first ever and because I did my fastest win in the fifth round of the 2009 lap on the last lap of my stint. VLN series which is held exclusively This was the baseline tyre for the at the Nurburgring. Nurburgring last weekend, another Hans Stuck, and fantastic result for us coming 2nd brought an end overall.” to ’s nine-race winning It was the first time that Audi production sisters also are shod preceded Biela as DTM Champion streak when they started from had won in the championship, with Dunlops.” in 1990. second place on the grid for the which has been organised since The win was the latest in a long In 1994, won the fifth round in June. They enjoyed 1977, and Audi Motorsport Director line of successes between Audi and Italian Touring Car Championship a comfortable 50-second lead Wolfgang Ullrich was delighted. Dunlop which stretch back to 1986, with Dunlop, but the 1996 season when a thunderstorm brought a “This appearance was just the when Xavier Lapeyre won in the was Audi’s crowning year. Audi premature end to the race. first effort with Dunlop – and what French Touring Car ChampionshVip and Dunlop formed championship “We needed those 50 seconds could be a better start for a new behind the wheel of an Audi 200 winning partnerships in Australia because we needed a quick pit cooperation than a joint race Quattro. Lapeyre scored his first (Brad Jones), (Jean- stop for petrol only,” said Stuck, win?” Frank Hohmann, Director, win in April at the French track Francois Hemroulle), Czech who celebrates his 40th year in Marketing & Strategic Development of Ledenon, and went on to take Republic (Josef Venc), motor sport just as, on July 16th, Goodyear Dunlop Tyres Germany the title that year. Audi switched (Pirro), Britain (Biela), Italy (Rinaldo Audi celebrated its 100th year as a GMBH, added: “This success we to the Quattro in 1988, Capello) and in Spain (Jordi Gene). manufacturer. “I had a battle with achieved in cooperation with Audi and Lapeyre won the title again That year, Greg Murphy also won the Porsche factory driver Dirk on the most gruelling circuit of the in 1991. Team mate Marc Sourd one of two international races at Werner in the Mammorow car, and world represents a confirmation was champion in 1992, while Biela Surfer’s Paradise with the Audi 80 I had to pass him and create a gap for our long-term strategy. Dunlop came from a championship-winning Quattro, and Biela won at Macau in for a safe . The rain came at provides tyres for particularly year in the multi-brand DTM series the , all on Dunlop tyres. the right time, but we would have dynamic vehicles and particularly with Audi’s V8 Quattro on Dunlop since then, Dunlop has become won anyway and we proved that at ambitious drivers – both on the tyres, and made his debut in the a name synonymous with touring the six hour race as well.” racetrack and on public roads. The French series in 1993. He won a car racing, supplying control “The basic tyre was the same Audi R8 is a truly striking example third successive title for Audi and tyres to the British Touring Car as they used on the for this technology transfer as its Dunlop after scoring five wins, three Championship, the Deutsche pole positions and seven fastest Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM), laps and is still the only non-French Australian V8 series and driver to have taken the title. several European Mini-Challenge The Audi Dunlop relationship was series. Dunlop’s relationship firmly established by then. Jean- with Audi in touring cars is Michel Martin had won the Belgian on-going through the DTM and Touring Car Championship with an Audi’s customer racing activities Audi 200 turbo Quattro on Dunlop concentrate on the R8 LMS, which tyres in 1989, while Hans Stuck continues the winning tradition.

> page 2 www.dunlop-.com f2ou wheelr wh NEWSeel NEWS

LeGoo MANSdwood Dunlop celebrates the Festival of Speed with old friends at Goodwood >>Porsche 917 celebrates its 40th anniversary >>Le Mans legend gets to grips with Honda’s British Touring Car

he Goodwood Festival of house, Dunlop welcomed a host TSpeed, the brainchild of the of famous faces over the course of thejaguar festival, XJ hisR -9first – 1988ever runle min aan s winner Earl of March, has been celebrating the weekend, including legendary For the ‘88 24 Hours of the two regular drivers and the history of motorsport and car driver , celebrating his Johnny Dumfries were joined by Andy Wallace. The ‘Silk Cut’ Jaguar had culture at Goodwood House since 80th birthday, and others including a naturally aspirated 7-litre developing 750 hp. With a gearbox 1993. The unique event brings Johnny Herbert and John Rhodes. on the verge of destruction, Lammers nursed XJR-9 home during the final together exotic racing machinery Stirling Moss’s relationship with stages of the tace to take Jaguar’s first win at Le Mans since 1957. from all levels and types of racing Dunlop goes back over half a and is attended by stars of the track century and features many key British Touring Car. “It’s great to be tyres. The car itself, dubbed the both past and present. moments for both. Despite his back at Goodwood, and it never ‘Dunlop car’ was sporting a livery Dunlop is as synonymous with years he was still quick to get ceases to amaze me how much designed by winner Christian Baur motor racing as Goodwood itself behind the wheel, giving the crowd the event just grows and grows in a Europe-wide competition prior so it was only fitting that the main a great display in both the classic year upon year,” Herbert said. “It to the 2009 Le Mans race. media stage at this year’s Festival Mercedes-Benz W196 and the has an added ‘extra’ for me this Stirling Moss wasn’t the only of Speed was again hosted by the stunning all-new McLaren Mercedes year because, for the first time in one celebrating a birthday, the performance tyre manufacturer. SLR. All the interviews from the my racing career, I will be driving a , immortalized by Steve Dunlop added to the annual main stage were broadcast live British Touring Car.” Herbet has a McQueen in the Le Mans film, was celebration of high octane thrills exclusively on the Dunlop website unique place in Dunlop’s Le Mans also celebrating its 40th anniversary. and excitement by bringing both for those unable to attend the event. history, winning the 1991race in the Dunlop and Porsche took the iconic racing drivers and machines Legendary British Le Mans rotary 787B, opportunity to celebrate the car that together for the public to admire driver Johnny Herbert was also a the only time a Japanese car has brought Porsche its first overall wins and interact with. guest at the Dunlop hosted stage. won there in the history of the race. at Le Mans in 1970 and 1971. Based on the main stage in the Herbert was driving the Team Herbert drove the car to what was Over the weekend Dunlop played Stable Yard section of Goodwood Dynamics BTCC at Dunlop’s 34th Le Mans victory with host to many more well-loved racers co-drivers Bernard Gachot and and racing machines including Volkert Wiedler. Derek Bell, , Eddie The drivers were not the only Irvine and . Sparkling stars hosted by Dunlop over the quietly in the sunshine around them weekend, gracing the Dunlop were a host of Dunlop shod exotica stand this year were a number of including Frank Biela’s BTCC Audi, incredible machines who’s iconic ’s Le Mans storming EXP status have earned them a place in Speed 8 and some of the latest motoring history. Two very special ground breaking sports cars relying Jaguars were present, the first, on Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres to keep the XJR-9 was driven to victory by them on the road, including the Jan Lammers, Johnny Dumfries GTR – Black, the Mercedes and Andy Wallace in the 1988 Le Benz AMG SL65 Black Series and Mans 24HR. Accompanying this the Audi R8 V10. was the brand new Jaguar XFR, During the three day event over a prototype of which became the 45,000 racing fans came onto fastest ever Jaguar car when it the Dunlop stage to hear over 40 hit 225.675mph on the legendary celebrity guests share their motoring Bonneville salt Flats last year. The insights and admire a unique stand also played host to the JMW range of iconic machines whose Motorsport F430 GT2, success ses and history are all which won the 2007 and 2008 GT2 closely entwined with the sports tyre Championship on Dunlop racing manufacturer.

Bentley EXP Speed 8 – 2002 le mans winner In 2001 Bentley returned to the famous race, after a gap of 71 years, for a three-year campaign with the EXP Speed 8. The car, a closed-top , built to the GTP regulations, had a twin- turbocharged 3.6-litre V-8 race engine. Developing around 600 hp, the had a top speed of over 220 mph. The Dunlop-shod car gained 3rd place in 2001, and built on this with a class win in 2002, now powered by a 4.0-litre turbocharged version of the V-8 engine.

> page 3 www.dunlop-tires.com f2ou wheelr wh NEWSeel NEWS

LeQ&a MANS Hans-Joachim Stuck: 40 YEARS ON, AND STILL WINNING ON DUNLOP

Hans Stuck was born on New > What was it like racing with This is correct. Whenever I sat in a when they were testing a tyre for Year’s day in 1951. His father, also Dunlop? I was always very happy car on Dunlop tyres, in sports cars the Hunaudieres Straight at Le Hans-Joachim, could claim to be because we were very close to the at Le Mans or sitting in an Audi, it Mans. Dunlop were using unique instrumental in the formation of engineering department. That was is always a good feeling that rides technology (DENLOCK) focused in the 1930s, and his essential for a driver, to be able to with you. Dunlop is more on a on the construction of the tyre love of motor racing transferred put forward your idea of what a conservative side, and on a safe on the rim of the wheel as it was to his son. Stuck Junior won at tyre should do and what it should side. I can tell you in my 40 year previously hindered at high speed. the Nurburgring for the first time not do, and they listened to us motor sport career, I have never It is lucky that a driver normally in 1970 aged 19, and started as drivers, which doesn’t happen had an uncontrolled tyre explosion. cannot see what the tyre is doing 74 Grand Prix before turning to often! In the end it paid off, and I have punctures sometimes, at close to 400km/h. The inner endurance racing. He won Le it still goes on. We won the VLN butthat is a different story – you part of the tyre is completely off Mans twice, in 1986 and 1987 on race at the Nurburgring with the can runover things and pick up a the rim! The tyre is not round Dunlop tyres, and the DTM title in Audi R8 three weeks ago, and we puncture. With Dunlop I never had anymore. It was interesting to 1990 for Audi. start testing on Friday with a new a severe problem, and that is an know what the tyre could stand. > When was your first exper- construction. The engineers are outstanding performance. When you see how little care ience of Dunlop and Audi? It still very keen and eager to work > Did you spend a lot of time at people take on their own road came together with the DTM, and with the drivers. the Dunlop testing ground and tyres it is amazing. They even don’t before that with Porsche. Funnily > Dunlop doesn’t introduce R&D Centre(DDC-H) in Hanau? put air in it sometimes, but it is the enough we are back together with things unless they are sure they Yes, and also in my Porsche most important thing between the the development programme of are work, even if that means days. We had a new construction car and the road! the Audi R8 LMS. The circle is delaying for a few races. Has for Le Mans, and Dunlop gave closed again! that always been the case? me a chance to go to Hanau

> page 4 www.dunlop-tires.com t2 wwoh eelwheel NEWS NEWS

european national championship review Dunlop race rubber dominates across europe to keep four classes (Superbike, directly from the UK for each event, Supersport, 125cc and Yamaha keeping the riders at the forefront R6 Dunlop Cup) rolling on track. of technology. Dunlop shod Junior So far this year Dunlop Superbike Team Suzuki LMS rider Vincent MGM Yamaha Germany rider Jorg Philippe is leading the Superbike Teuchert has made a clean break championship with the team as the championship leader with having won the last six races in a a 68 point lead over his closest succession. In 2008 Supersport rival. Supersport tells a similar story rider Olivier Four, one of only three with Dunlop HKM-PZ Honda rider Dunlop riders in the championship, Sascha Hommel clearing up at the switched to the new NTEC D211 GP front with a 20 point advantage. tyre, giving him the edge needed to Dunlop can also proudly claim every go on and win the championship. single 125cc race win of 2009 in the His success led to 40% of the grid German c hampionship. riding on Dunlops in 2009. The tyre Great Britain continues to dominate the class this In the UK Dunlop’s name is year, claiming seven wins from the synonymous with victory in the eight races so far and 17 podiums. cross Europe the Dunlop The current top three superbike toughest and most iconic road races The 125 grid sees 95% of the riders Motorsport team is hard at work riders in the Formula Extreme class, A including the legendary TT and the on Dunlops, and four out of four keeping national classes competing Laglisse Yamaha’s Carmelo Morales Irish road races such as Athea. This wins so far this season. at the highest level and providing and Javier Del Amor, and Team year’s TT saw an incredible clean These victories are a result of the tools for talented racers and Bernat Yamaha’s Bernat Martinez are sweep by Dunlop winning all five constantly evolving tyres driven by track day riders to excel and keep all on Dunlop NTEC slicks with only classes with riders including Steve engineers and technicians pushing on winning. From the national one of the top six in the competition Plater, Ryan Farquhar and John the boundaries of rubber technology superbike and supersport classes riding on competitor tyres. Between McGuinness setting new records to keep Dunlop riders at the front through superstock and down to them the Dunlop riders have claimed on their Dunlop shod machines. both on the track and on the road. the 125cc class, Dunlop is there at two of the three race wins so far Farquhar went on from the TT Ensuring an average of a thousand the trackside giving class leading this year. In the Supersport class to record his 100th road race at race tyres can be delivered from riders like Jorg Teuchert, Vincent Laglisse Yamaha’s Angel Rodriguez Athea winning all three classes in the UK factory and fitted at each Philippe and Carmelo Morales the leads the championship on D211GP mixed weather and exploiting the race event requires highly skilled edge. The racing classes provide the race rubber followed by Joe Darcy full range of Dunlop race rubber crack teams of Dunlop fitters and perfect test bed to introduce new Honda’s Kev Coghlan in second from the all conquering D211GP engineers in each championship. tyre technology as it’s developed, place. Of the six front runners in to NTEC rear slicks. Dunlop also Dunlop also supports a number taking next generation tyres from the Supersport class five are riding exclusively supports the KTM RC8 of other national championships the racetrack to the road. Racers Dunlops. So far Dunlop riders have Cup in the UK and the British 125 including Italy, Holland, Sweden and provide the ultimate development claimed every 2009 race victory in GP racing, which, although open to several Eastern European countries. riders as they push their Dunlop the Supersport class and across all all manufacturers, sports a 100% Regulations vary from country to tyres to the limit to exploit the grip, classes in the CEV Buckler Spanish Dunlop field. country, making the delivery of durability and handling in the quest Championship Dunlop has claimed tyres for each event even more for victory. Technology taken for an incredible 23 podiums from the Back in mainland Europe close impressive. German and Spanish granted in today’s production tyres 27 available in the season this year, co-operation between Dunlop superbikes are limited to 17” whilst including NTEC and MT compounds every single 125cc podium, seven of France and Dunlop UK see a the Italians can opt for a 16.5” tyre if started on the track. the nine Formula Extreme and seven French team supporting the wanted. Whichever tyre they use, it’s Spain CEV Buckler of the nine available Supersport. national superbike, supersport clear that to win you need to be on a The story of Dunlop’s racing German IDM and 125cc race classes with the Dunlop. success is clear in Spain in the CEV The IDM German Superbike latest development tyres delivered Buckler Spanish Championship Championship is a textbook where the superbike, supersport example of Dunlop’s domination, and 125cc classes are completely three trucks bring 2000 wet and dry dominated by Dunlop shod riders. compound tyres to each race event

EU national championship facts and figures 14 Superbike wins in Germany, Spain and France 15 Supersport wins in Germany, Spain and France 23 podiums from 27 in all classes in Spanish CEV Championship 125cc: all riders in Germany, UK and Spain have chosen to race Dunlop slicks, giving them a 100% victory rate Isle of Man TT: All five classes won in clean sweep 84% of Formula Extreme riders on Dunlop tyres

> page 5 For more two wheel stories go to www.dunlopmotorcycle.eu Two wheel NEWS

Q&a Jorg Teuchert: IDM championship leader and dunlop Ambassador

Yamaha Motor Germany rider Jorg Teuchert is currently leading the 2009 German IDM Superbike Championship having won five of the ten races so far with a further three podiums. The German rider has a long history with Dunlop going back to his first racing season in 1994 in the Yamaha Cup where he finished second although tied with the winner on points. 1995 and 1996 saw him switch tyre brands as he raced in the German Supersport Championship before coming back to Dunlop in 1997, achieving his first Championship victory. He’s been a Dunlop rider ever since, and claims numerous victories and titles to his name, most notably the 2000 World Supersport Championship. > You’re having an incredibly successful year this year, back > Given the tyre restrictions World Supersport Championship Some people in the paddock are a on Dunlop’s and riding a new in the IDM, getting the tyre in 2000. It was a strange situation bit macho but for me the first and Yamaha. Is this going to be choice right for the weekend in the final race because I was 17 only thing is racing. Whether my your year? I don’t see why not! is obviously very important. points behind Stephane Chambon teammate is a boy or a girl is not a Everything is working really well and How do you work with your and 13 behind Paolo Casoli. I problem. If she’s faster than me then I’m enjoying each race and working Dunlop tyre engineer to find the overtook Paolo during the race but I know what I need to do to improve with all the different people, it’s a lot optimum solution? “We race on didn’t know which position he was in and if she’s slower then maybe I can of fun this year and every weekend is the same tracks every year so we behind me, then Chambon’s engine help her too.” good. Racing is fun I love it so much know which compounds work well. blew up, but I didn’t know this so > Which of the circuits ridden in It’s why I keep riding, for the fun of it, When Dunlop brings different tyres when I crossed the line in second the 2009 IDM Championship is and to win obviously! we have time on a Friday to test and place I didn’t know where either of your favourite track and why? > You won the 2000 World sort out which ones we feel work them were! When I came back to “Oschersleben is my favourite circuit Supersport Championship on best in the practice sessions. It’s very the pit lane everyone was shouting it has so many corners, I love the Dunlop tyres, how much of a important to see what we need for and then I knew I was the world style and the trickiness of the track. factor do you think those tyres race day. If we have good weather champion.” There are so many different lines for were to your success? “The then it’s easier but last weekend at > There are very few women overtaking, it’s always a hard fight so tyres are extremely important, you Sachsenring it was raining and we in professional racing, how that’s why I like it. I’m a racer, I love can have the best bike and the only had one practice session to does it feel to have 2008 EUM corners!” fastest engine and the best team test the wet tyres in. Luckily for us Women’s Champion Nina Prinz > What do you think has given you but the whole package is what’s we have lots of experience from last sharing the garage with you? the advantage to be leading the most important. The tyres are the year so we know which tyre’s work “It’s absolutely fine for me. Nina is a championship this year? “I think I’m key part of the bike that deliver the well there.” tough girl and she is really fast. For very strong in my head and I believe power to the asphalt. If the tyres > What’s been the highlight of me the most important thing is that in myself and I know I have a perfect aren’t working for you, it’s impossible your racing career so far? “It she is my teammate first, we talk and very professional team. For me to win.” would have to be when I won the normally together and work together. winning this year is being able to give my mechanics back what they do for me. They always help me and are always behind me, helping me to go faster and win the races. It’s not just the rider or the bike or the tyres, it’s everything together. It’s part of the rider’s role to give the team motivation to keep going and make it happen, to bring everyone together as the team leader.” > How would you describe your relationship with Dunlop? “I know the people and I understand the tyres. I have excellent contact with the technical engineers, and the development that happens between me and the team in England is great. I think the relationship works well for both Dunlop and I and at the end of the day I love riding on Dunlop tyres.”

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moto2 gp250 / gp125 Dunlop rewarded with Wet weather back to shake three year Moto2 contract things up at Sachsenring >>250 Championship title race closes up >>Team Aspar trio head the 125 standings >>Dunlop wets perform in the dry at Donington

he Assen TT circuit on 27th Marco Simoncelli held off a very TJune saw Hiroshi Aoyami taking determined Álex Debón to claim his the 250 GP honours in the Dutch second win of 2009. Aoyama just sunshine, after a coming together missed out on the podium, caught with Álvaro Bautista as they battled on the last lap by Bautista. for the lead in the final laps ended Simón lead from the start to the Spaniard’s race. The 125cc finish after starting on pole, 9 class saw an impressive first win seconds clear of a close battle for of the season for Sergio Gadea second, eventually won by Sergio followed by Julián Simón in second Gadea with Joan Olivé completing >>Dunlop to exclusively provide Moto2 tyres from ‘10 onwards and Bradley Smith in third to give an all Spanish podium. Bradley >>BQR and Laglisse test Moto2 tyres in ‘09 the Aspar Team a clean sweep of Smith’s unbroken run of points the podium, a double celebration scoring finishes ended when the unlop has been awarded the recognized as the right choice for as it made it their 200thteam Briton crashed out early in the race, Dprestigious contract to be the the new Moto2 class “ said Sharon podium. dropping him back to third in the sole tyre supplier for the new Moto2 Antonaros, Dunlop Motorcycle Sales The Sachsenring GP saw championship table behind his two World Championship class. The and Marketing Director, Europe, weather back on the cards to Spanish team mates. Grand Prix Commission decided Middle East and Africa. shake up tyre choice. A wet Donington last weekend saw unanimously to award the contract “We’re excited about building qualifying session saw everyone out typically British weather mix up the to Dunlop. Starting from 2010, the on the expertise gained over 50 on rain tyres, with incredible times racing action. The 125cc race was contract will run until the season end years of continuous participation in recorded by the 250cc riders. Both red flagged for rain, with the riders 2012. Grand Prix racing to continue our Simoncelli and Barberá put times coming back out for what was in The new class has been created development of racing tyres and in that would have placed them on effect a five lap sprint. The re-start to be a prestigious, fast, but cost then taking the technology to our the front row in the MotoGP race, saw Marc Marquez and Bradley effective category to run alongside road tyres “. Simoncelli with a 1’32.962 for pole Smith crash out, giving Julián MotoGP’s premier class. There will 41 of the original 91 contenders and Barberá’s 1’33.105 for second Simón the opportunity to grab his be a unique four stroke engine, for entries to the first Moto2 where good enough for second third win of the season. supplied by Honda, governed by Championship have now been and third on the MotoGP grid. The The 250 riders all started on wet a standard electronic system with shortlisted for places on the 2010 125cc riders enjoyed a practically tyres with only a couple switching a 16,000 rpm limit, which will be GP grid. dry circuit however the 250GP to slicks mid race. With a damp supplied to the teams by Dorna, the Dunlop took another step in the race was not so lucky and was but drying track the Dunlop wets MotoGP promoter. development of tyres for the Moto2 redflagged for rain after 3 laps. performed brilliantly, the leaders Whilst the engine and gearbox class at Valencia on the 12th of July All riders with the exception of putting in their fastest times at the are standardized, are free with rider Roberto Rolfo running Abraham opted for slicks on the end of the 26 lap race still on the with development being actively alongside the Formula Extreme class grid for the restart of the shortened original wets. Hiroshi Aoyoma held encouraged of prototype frames on the Siemens Gigaset Laglisse 19 lap race. Abraham’s gamble on on for the win with Álvaro Bautista and swingarms within the overall Moto2 machine. Rolfo qualified more rain failed, the Czech rider taking second and Mattia Pasini regulatory framework. ninth on the grid on the third row quickly dropping back from his 5th completing the podium. The wheel sizes for Moto2 bikes and showed an outstanding race place start to retire by half distance. will also be standardized – 3.75” x pace to bring the prototype machine 17” front and 6.00” x 17” rear, and home in seventh place. the quantity and specifications of The BQR and Laglisse bikes slick and wet tyres will be limited will continue to test with Dunlop with the objectives of producing over the course of the season, July close and exciting racing and 30/31 will see the Laglisse team in ensuring equal treatment for all France at the Goodyear Dunlop test competitors. facilities, whilst BQR are scheduled “We are delighted to have been to test at Brno on August 17th. CONTACTS

Jeremy Ferguson International Motorsport Manager

[email protected] Dunlop Motorsport Division Dunlop Tyres Ltd Fort Dunlop - Birmingham B24 9QT - United Kingdom Tel: +44 121 306 6000 fax: +44 121 306 7000 e-mail: [email protected]

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