ZMARZLIK: FOCUSED ON THE JOB NOT PRIZES

Polish icon Bartosz Zmarzlik is determined to focus on his job and not the points as he edges closer to title No.4 ahead of tonight’s FIM Speedway GP of Great Britain – Cardiff.

Zmarzlik leads the Speedway GP World Championship by 22 points, arriving at Principality Stadium with 122, while nearest rival Fredrik Lindgren in second place has 100.

Should Zmarzlik retain this kind of margin, he would be crowned champion at the DeluxeHomeart FIM Speedway GP of Denmark – Vojens on September 16 if he leaves there with a lead of 21 or more. 

If Lindgren fails to score at least two championship points in Cardiff, there is a very outside chance Zmarzlik could secure the trophy tonight, but he would need a 41-point-plus lead over his nearest rival – whoever that may be.

But Zmarzlik isn’t concerning himself with the mathematics and is just determined to focus on what he does best – winning speedway races.

He said: “It is never easy, but I never look at how many points I score. I am focused on my job all the time and the next round. We have three more rounds before the end of the season, and I am fully focused on this.”

Having won his 22nd Speedway GP in Riga on August 12, matching his idol and mentor Tomasz Gollob’s career total, Zmarzlik has the chance to equal Aussie legend Jason Crump’s series record of 23 wins tonight.

While he’s rightly proud of the total he has already amassed, Zmarzlik isn’t focused on talk of rewriting the record books.

“I am very happy about this total,” he said. “But I am never thinking about how many heats or GP rounds I have won. I love my job and I just do all that I can to get the best results.”

Zmarzlik has an incredible record here in Cardiff, where he has reached the final on all five of his previous visits, winning in 2018, finishing second in 2022, third in 2016 and 2019 and fourth in 2017.

For a rider who learned his trade on the fast and furious Polish tracks, this sensational history on the tight and technical the Principality Stadium circuit is some feat. It’s clearly an event Zmarzlik relishes.

He said: “I really like to come to Cardiff because I have many good memories from here. It is true that it is a really small track. But I feel good on these small tracks and also at the Cardiff GP. It’s always a special Grand Prix for me because of this stadium and the people. It’s amazing for speedway.”

It's not too late to secure your spot at Saturday's event! Tickets for the FIM Speedway GP of Great Britain - Cardiff are still available from the WRU Ticket Office between gates three and four at Principality Stadium. Be part of an unforgettable night of racing and buy direct from the venue!