LAMBERT: SPRINT RACE UPS THE INTENSITY IN WARSAW AND CARDIFF

Great Britain racer Robert Lambert believes the brand-new Speedway GP sprint race “amps up the level of intensity in Qualifying Practice” in Warsaw and Cardiff this season.

For the first time in SGP history, World Championship points will be on the line at Orlen FIM Speedway GP of Poland – Warsaw Qualifying Practice on Friday, May 10 ahead of racing on Saturday, May 11 at PGE Narodowy.

The 16 riders will be split into four groups of four and take to the track for two two-minute sessions, bidding to clock the fastest lap time. The fastest rider in each group qualifies for the sprint race – heat 0 – which sees the winner earn four Speedway GP World Championship points, with three for second place, two for third and one for taking fourth spot.

The winner of the sprint race also earns first choice of starting positions for the Orlen FIM Warsaw Speedway GP. 

A sprint race will also take place ahead of the FIM Speedway GP of Great Britain – Cardiff at Principality Stadium on Friday, August 16, ahead of racing on Saturday, August 17, and Lambert believes the new format adds an edge to Qualifying Practice.

He said: “It’s something new they have brought into the Speedway GP series. It’s something a little bit different and a chance to gather more championship points. It could work in our favour, or it could work against us. But I think that’s the whole point of adding this to the series.

“It definitely adds a little more pressure to Qualifying Practice. We always need to do well in the session to secure a good starting number for the meeting – the number we prefer the most. But now we could have an extra race where we can score points. 

“I think that just amps up the level of intensity in Qualifying Practice. The sprint race brings more interest for the fans and gets them to the stadium on the Friday. The fans come to watch racing and there will be four guys out on track having a race that day. I think it’s interesting and definitely great for the fans.”

Riders will continue to contest Qualifying Practice in the same format used in 2023 at the other nine Speedway GP events, with all 16 competing to set the fastest lap time, with the rider who clocks the quickest lap earning first choice of starting positions.

But one key change for Warsaw and Cardiff sees riders only compete within their group of four riders for a place in the sprint race – a move that aims to ensure the four riders in each group face the same track conditions.

Lambert admits track conditions can change during a Qualifying Practice session and hopes the innovation will make things fairer for everyone.

He said: “In Qualifying Practice, we have seen on many occasions that if you go out after grading, you can be at a little bit of a disadvantage – by a hundredth of a second maybe – because the track has been watered.

“I think the new format will make it the same for everybody. You will have four guys on the same track. We will really be able to battle it out on a level playing field.”

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.

Tickets for the FIM Speedway GP of Great Britain – Cardiff are also available to book online now. More details and to secure your seat at Britain’s biggest indoor motorsport event, CLICK HERE.