LAMBERT READY FOR TIGHT MEDAL FIGHT IN TORUN

Great Britain racer Robert Lambert expects the Speedway GP medal race to go “down to the wire” at the For Nature Solutions FIM Speedway GP of Poland – Torun tonight.

Lamberts lines up on his Polish home track placed fourth in the Speedway GP World Championship on 97 points – three behind Torun team mate Patryk Dudek, who is third on 100.

GB star Dan Bewley is also firmly in the rostrum race on 93 points in fifth, while Fredrik Lindgren and Maciej Janowski have 92 in sixth and seven place respectively. Danish racer Leon Madsen is second on 117 and requires just four championship points to seal Speedway GP silver.

With both Dudek and Lambert very familiar with the Marian Rose Motoarena track, the two club favourites look set to lead a fierce battle to join world champion Bartosz Zmarzlik and possibly Madsen on the rostrum. Lambert said: “We can both go and have a good meeting and it will come down to the wire. I am just looking forward to having a home Grand Prix in Torun.

“I have a few laps there under my belt, but the track can be different on the day and the weather can be different too. That opens the playing field up, so I just need to be open to any scenario. I am excited to see the stadium full and whatever happens after that happens.

“Anything can happen in speedway. We don’t know what’s going to happen at the final round. We are very optimistic. I will just try to be at one with the bike and track, let the riding happen and see what comes of it. I am looking forward to Torun.”

Torun isn’t just a home track for Lambert; he has quickly established the city as a home away from home in Poland, having joined the club in 2021. He recently penned a new contract through until the end of 2024.

With his partner Julia originally from the city, the Poznan-based couple love spending time in the city – both at the Motoarena and away from the sport.

Lambert is determined to make the most of his local knowledge tonight. “After racing two seasons for Torun, it has become a natural home track for me,” he said. “I have extended my deal for another two seasons after this year. It has become a track I am fond of, and I enjoy racing there.

“Julia is originally from Torun and we stay there when I have practice and meetings. It works well to come from Poznan to Torun and stay there. It’s quite a good setup we have there. Everyone is happy in the club with what I am doing, and I am happy with the club.

“Points aside, getting into the final this weekend would be great. It would be great for my local sponsors there and all the rest of my sponsors. There is no pressure on it, but it would be awesome if I could do it.”

Lambert is delighted with the support he receives in Torun – both from the fans in the stands and the local business community in the city.

“That’s one of the reasons why I stayed,” he admitted. “I have a few local sponsors and it’s incredible that they come together and are willing to help, even the foreign riders when we come to their clubs.

“It’s a big help, especially with how the world is at the moment. I can’t thank all my sponsors enough for what they do.”

This is the eighth time Torun has staged the final round of a Speedway GP series and the event has emerged as one of the biggest in the sport since the Marian Rose Motoarena was first added to the calendar in 2010.

As well as a vibrant but historic UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town, Torun boasts one of track racing’s finest stadiums – making it the perfect speedway getaway.

“There is a reason why they always put it as the last event in the Speedway GP series,” Lambert said. “It’s one that stands out on the calendar, along with a couple of others.

“Every rider enjoys going to Torun – it’s a great race track and a great stadium. The city is also nice, which is a bonus. We are looking forward to it. It would be nice to do something in Torun and put on a show for my home fans as well.”