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Why Magnussen is relishing a fresh start in sportscars

Having gone over seven years without a race win through spells with McLaren, Renault and Haas, Kevin Magnussen's departure from Formula 1 for IMSA with big-hitter Chip Ganassi Racing could give him what he craves most - a chance of success

As Kevin Magnussen strode through the paddock of the Yas Marina Circuit in December, likely for the final time as an active Formula 1 driver, he felt no great sadness. Sure, he would miss his Haas team crew, with whom he had enjoyed many ups and downs over the previous four years, as well as the friends he had made in the paddock. And he would miss driving some of the fastest cars in the world every other weekend.

But as his F1 chapter closed, Magnussen was already looking ahead to what was coming next: a move into sportscar racing with Chip Ganassi Racing's revived IMSA SportsCar Championship team, which commenced last weekend with the Dane surging into the lead of the Daytona 24 Hours qualifying race during the wet early stages.

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