LAMBERT BACK IN BRITAIN WITH BELLE VUE AFTER DRAMATIC U-TURN

Great Britain racer Robert Lambert is set for a blockbuster return to the UK tonight after British Speedway bosses gave his move to Belle Vue the green light – days after blocking the deal.

The new world No.5 is set to replace Aussie champion Max Fricke, whose season has been ended by the catalogue of injuries he suffered in Zielona Gora’s Polish First Division play-off final match with Krosno on September 25.

While the move takes place outside of the transfer window, signings to replace riders with long-term injuries are permitted.

But posting on Twitter last Friday, Lambert revealed the move was originally rejected by British Speedway Promoters Ltd, whose board of directors has the right to reject any team declaration that it doesn’t believe is in the best interests of British speedway.

After an outcry from fans in the UK, Lambert has now been given clearance to race, with Danish star Nicolai Klindt, who was due to replace him, stood down.

Posting on Facebook, the rider said: “I’m happy to announce that I’ll be joining Belle Vue Speedway for the rest of the season. It means I will see you all at the National Speedway Stadium tonight! Get well soon buddy, Max Fricke.”

Lambert joins the likes of former Speedway GP rival Matej Zagar and ex-Australian champion Brady Kurtz in a stellar Aces side to take on an Ipswich team led by 2017 world champion Jason Doyle.

The Manchester club holds a 52-38 advantage from the first leg at Foxhall last Thursday as they bid to earn a date with Wolverhampton or Sheffield, who race their first leg at Monmore Green tonight.

Belle Vue CEO Mark Lemon will hope signing one of the world’s top stars can help the Aces land their first league title since 1993.

He said: “We are thrilled to welcome Robert to Belle Vue Speedway and look forward to seeing him in action for the team in Monday’s play-off meeting.

“The injury to Max was a huge blow for us on the eve of the play-offs, especially as we know how well Max goes around the National Speedway Stadium, and we will miss him and his track craft.

“However, we are delighted to be able to bring our team back to a full one to seven by bringing in Robert under the long-term injury rule.

“It has been a tough few days working towards making this possible and we are happy to have finally been able to secured his services and equally looking forward having Robert with joining us at Belle Vue Speedway.”