Opening race sets the scene for hotly contested Speedway GP Season
By Effective Communication
The 2011 FIM Speedway Grand Prix Season kicked off in the dramatic style that was expected – confirming this season is definitely set to be one of the most competitive and hotly contested yet.
The race, which took place in Leszno, Poland, saw three-time World Champion, Nicki Pedersen claim victory, having scraped into the semi-finals on nine points.
Despite taking second place on the podium, defending champion Tomasz Gollob leads the Championship going in to the next race which will take place at Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg on May 14th, having accrued a point more than Pedersen on the night.
Having been in confident mood ahead of the opening race, British hopeful Chris Harris failed to reach the semis, scoring seven points in the heats and proving the ferocity of the competition.
The Belle Vue Aces rider who last year enjoyed his highest ever placing in a Grand Prix Championship is now looking to Sweden for a better performance and a potential rostrum finish.
In a field that includes four world champions and eleven previous GP winners, there really is no margin for error. Only one rider – Russian, Artem Laguta – has never competed at GP level.
Harris is still hopeful of what could become his best career performance to date, as the UK’S only man in the GP series’ roster of 15 world-best riders.
Sheffield-born Swindon Robins star Simon Stead is one of six substitutes.
Speaking this week, Chris said:
“Obviously I was disappointed not to get a podium finish at Leszno. It’s a great track and I enjoy competing there but it really does show what we’re all up against in terms of competition from fellow riders this year – we’re one race in and it’s already shaping up to be one of the toughest but most exciting seasons I’ve been involved in.
“I’m still feeling good about myself and confident there are good performances to come so that will hopefully shine through in Sweden. I’m absolutely convinced I can compete at the highest level with the best in the sport.
“There are three races between now and the FIM Doodson British Speedway Grand Prix at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff in June and I’m aiming for a great run up to the event. I won there in 2007 so it’s definitely time to repeat that success in front of a home crowd.
“Becoming World No.1 is still the ultimate dream and 2011 could certainly be the year to achieve it.”
Tags: Belle Vue Aces, Chris Harris, FIM Speedway Grand Prix, Nicki Pedersen, Simon Stead, Speedway, Tomasz Gollob
