HAMPEL HAILS ZMARZLIK'S RISE

Former Speedway GP silver medallist Jaroslaw Hampel insists Polish icon Bartosz Zmarzlik’s attention to detail has played a pivotal role in his transformation into a quadruple world champion.

Zmarzlik and Hampel have not competed together regularly in Speedway GP but teamed up to help Lublin retain the PGE Ekstraliga championship in 2023.

Hampel came close to Speedway GP gold when he finished second to Tomasz Gollob in 2010 and was then runner-up to Tai Woffinden, when the Brit lifted his first title in 2013.

Zmarzlik joined the series full-time in 2016 – the year after Hampel’s SGP career was cruelly ended by a badly broken leg.

But Hampel has seen his compatriot in action at close quarters in Lublin and is far from surprised to have seen his transformation into Poland’s most successful speedway rider.

He said: “I have known him since the beginning of his career. I had the opportunity to start with him in the Swedish league too. 

“Bartek was already performing above his level then. I was able to closely observe his development and his professional approach. It was only a matter of time before he became such a star. He can handle anything and wins with a huge mental advantage.”

Asked what puts Zmarzlik head and shoulders above his rivals, Hampel replied: “It's a number of things. There is something to be said about the preparations – hundreds of hours of training and equipment preparation. I saw at Motor Lublin how everything works for Bartek. Everything is perfectly coordinated there; every detail has been taken care of. There is no coincidence.”

Hampel also looks forward to seeing Polish Speedway GP newcomers Szymon Wozniak and Dominik Kubera in action in their first full World Championship seasons after Wozniak qualified by finishing third at the 2023 FIM SGP Challenge in Gislaved, Sweden, while Kubera was handed a permanent wild card by the SGP Commission.

Asked how he thinks they will perform in the biggest season of their careers so far, Hampel replied: “It is a difficult question. There are many factors in speedway. We know perfectly well that they have potential. 

“Szymon's promotion into Speedway GP is a bit of a surprise, but it doesn't come from nothing. It comes from how hard he works to achieve results. It's admirable and probably his dream come true.

“As for Dominik, we know each other very well. We raced together for Lublin. I see how he tries to race better and better every year. He is another rider who can beat anyone, anywhere and in any conditions. 

“Speedway GP is a specific competition – there were riders who couldn't cope there but were great in the league. You need to be able to prepare well. But I believe they will cope.”

The series gets underway with the FIM Speedway GP of Croatia on April 27, before the eyes of the world turn to the Orlen FIM Speedway GP of Poland – Warsaw at the iconic PGE Narodowy on May 11.

Tickets for the Warsaw event are available online. For more details, to check availability and to book, visit KupBilet.pl and eBilet.pl now. 

Programmes are also available to pre-order for 30 PLN via KupBilet.pl.

GOLD VIP hospitality packages include seats in the VIP Gold zone (sectors V1, V2, V3, V4, V5), catering including a warm and cold buffet, appetisers and desserts from 18:00 to 23:00, plus an unlimited open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and an event programme. These packages are available to book via KupBilet.pl.

SILVER VIP tickets (priced at 1,200 PLN) are also available – for more details and to book, please visit www.pakietyVip.com or email kontakt@pakietyVip.com.