FIM Speedway of Nations, Semi-Final 1 @ Belle Vue

Report

BIRMINGHAM No.1 Fredrik Lindgren led Sweden into the FIM Speedway of Nations Final with a 22-point haul at Belle Vue on Tuesday.

Lindgren dropped just one point to an opponent in his six rides, combining with Jacob Thorssell for an overall total of 38 which was one point ahead of Poland, for whom World Champion Bartosz Zmarzlik took just three rides as a precaution after a heavy crash with Ukrainian racer Marko Levishyn.

Meanwhile Germany, including Belle Vue racer Norick Blodorn, overcame Finland in the race for third place and the final qualifying position.

Lindgren said: “We are really pleased to be through to the Final. That was the main aim for us tonight. We executed this meeting very well and I am pleased with my own performance and Jacob as well.

“I am happy to go through. It was nice to get the win on the night as well, but the main thing was being on the podium.

“But this win today really means nothing on Saturday. It’s a new day and a new opportunity.

“I’ll go there with an open mind. The track might be different and other things could be different. It will be a different kind of racing with more quality in the Final. We are ready for anything.”

SPEEDWAY OF NATIONS SEMI-FINAL 1, Belle Vue
1. SWEDEN 38: Fredrik Lindgren 22, Jacob Thorssell 16, Oliver Berntzon DNR
2. POLAND 37: Dominik Kubera 18, Bartosz Zmarzlik 11, Maciej Janowski 8
3. GERMANY 33: Kai Huckenbeck 22, Norick Blodorn 11, Erik Riss DNR (Win race-off 7-2)
All qualify for the final on Saturday night.

Other scorers:
FINLAND 23: Antti Vuolas 17, Jesse Mustonen 6, Otto Raak DNR
ITALY 21: Paco Castagna 17, Nico Covatti 2, Nicolas Vicentin 2
FRANCE 19: David Bellego 19, Steven Goret, 0, Mathias Tresarrieu DNR
UKRAINE 16: Stanislav Melnychuk 10, Marko Levishyn 6

Photo credit: IAN CHARLES