Speedway Grand Prix Riga as it happened - Bartosz Zmarzlik fends off rivals to take crucial win

ByEurosport

Updated 07/09/2024 at 19:51 GMT

Eurosport brings you live text coverage of round 9 of the 2024 Speedway Grand Prix as the title race hots up with just three meetings to go. Bartosz Zmarzlik has led from the front all year but back-to-back failures to reach the semi-finals has opened the door for the chasing pack. Stream the 2024 Speedway Grand Prix on discovery+.

‘Getting off the start is key’ - Lambert outlines plans for Speedway Grand Prix in Riga

SERIES STANDINGS

After nine of this season’s 11 rounds Bartosz Zmarzlik leads the way.

Here are the current standings heading into round 10 in Vojens, Denmark next week are.

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1 Bartosz Zmarzlik 141 points
2 Fredrik Lindgren 124 points
3 Robert Lambert 117 points
4 Martin Vaculik 102 points
5 Mikkel Michelsen 101 points
6 Dan Bewley 100 points
7 Jack Holder 95 points
8 Dominik Kubera 78 points
9 Leon Madsen 76 points
10 Andzejs Lebedevs 61 points
11 Max Fricke 56 points
12 Szymon Wozniak 55 points
13 Kai Huckenbeck 54 points
14 Jason Doyle 47 points
15 Jan Kvech 36 points
16 Maciej Janowski 29 points
17 Tai Woffinden 23 points
18 Oskar Fajfer 6 points
19 Vaclav Milik 4 points
20 Tom Brennan 4 points
21 Mateusz Cierniak 3 points
22 Matej Zagar 2 points
23 Norick Blödorn 2 points
24 Kim Nilsson 1 points

ZMARZLIK EXTENDS SERIES LEAD IN RIGA

Defending world champion Bartosz Zmarzlik extended his series lead by taking victory in the ninth round of the FIM Speedway Grand Prix in Riga, Latvia.

The four-time world champion had seen his series lead cut after failing to make the final in the two previous rounds.

However, the Polish star returned to winning ways, taking the 24th grand prix victory of his career and an important one in the title race.

Zmarzlik had to recover from a heavy crash during his opening ride in Riga, one that saw title rival Mikkel Michelsen taken away in an ambulance for treatment.

After winning the final of his heats to progress Zmarzlik was in commanding form in the final leading from the opening lap before celebrating victory.

Bartosz Zmarzlik triumphs in Riga, Latvia

Image credit: Eurosport

FINAL – Bewley, Zmarzlik, Fricke, Lindgren

Bewley takes an early lead but is sandwiched by Zmarzlik and Lindgren who both pass the Brit.

The world champion then takes a commanding lead ahead of Lindgren to extend his series lead. Lindgren finishes in second to remain in series contention and Bewley finishes third.

FINAL GATE DRAW

Bewley – inside gate; Lindgren – outside gate; Fricke – gate three; Zmarzlik – gate two

SEMI-FINAL 2 – Bewley, Madsen, Fricke, Janowski

Bewley holds his speed into the first corner and leads. However, Fricke is once again on his tail distancing Janowski to finish second for the sixth time tonight.

Bewley is a clear victor and took his third win of the night, Fricke is second so also qualifies, while Janowski is out in third.

https://x.com/SpeedwayGP/status/1832487459067777271

SEMI-FINAL 1 – Lindgren, Zmarzlik, Lambert, Lebedevs

Zmarzlik sees off an early challenge from Lindgren before suffering a problem and losing the place.

Zmarzlik then comes close to hitting the back of Lindgren as they continue to battle. Lindgren wins the heat ahead of Zmarzlik and both qualify.

https://x.com/SpeedwayGP/status/1832487438989607418

SEMI-FINAL GATE CHOICES

SEMI-FINAL 1 – Outside - Lebedevs; gate three - Lambert; inside – Lindgren; gate two - Zmarzlik

SEMI-FINAL 2 – Inside – Bewley; Outside – Janowski; gate three – Fricke; gate two - Madsen

STANDINGS AFTER FIVE RIDES EACH

Here are the standings after the heats

Qualified for the semi-finals are:

1 Andzejs Lebedevs 14 points
2 Dan Bewley 11 points
3 Maciej Janowski 10 points
4 Robert Lambert 10 points
5 Max Fricke 10 points
6 Fredrik Lindgren 9 points
7 Bartos Zmarzlik 9 points
8 Leon Madsen 9 points

HEAT 20 – Bewley, Lindgren, Kvech, Lebedevs

Lots of points shared between these riders so far, while Lebedevs has won all four of his rides so far.

Bewley holds onto his machine to go quickest out of the gates. Lebedevs is left chasing in third, while Lindgren almost crashes taking him out of the heat.

Bewley wins with Lebedevs in second and Kvech in third.

HEAT 19 – Kolodinskis, Fricke, Ansviesulis, Wozniak

Taking the outside Wozniak is fastest and takes control of the heat. Fricke has to battle his way into second ahead of Kolodinskis.

Wozniak holds on to win despite not qualifying ahead of Fricke who does go through. Kolodinskis finishes third.

HEAT 18 – Lambert, Madsen, Holder, Huckenbeck

Lambert needs a victory to secure his semi-final place. A nasty crash sees Madsen and Holder tangle on the opening bend and both hitting the floor heavily.

Holder charges straight into the back of Madsen and luckily they both get up and walk away. Holder is excluded from the heat as a result of the crash.

Madsen also looks hurt and his helmet has taken a bashing as well.

Lambert has a terrible start from the re-start and is left miles behind. However, he comes roaring back coming past Madsen and then Huckenbeck to lead.

Lambert takes a huge advantage to win from Huckenbeck in second and Madsen.

HEAT 17 – Janowski, Vaculik, Zmarzlik, Kubera

Series leader Zmarzlik needs to win his final heat to guarantee a semi-final position, in a heat with three Polish riders. Kubera holds on well to take an early lead.

However, Zmarzlik responds passing the leader by keeping him high on the bend, Zmarzlik gets the win he needed and lets out a shout in relief.

He finishes ahead of Kubera in second and Janowski in third.

STANDINGS AFTER FOUR RIDES EACH

Here are the current standings:

1 Andzejs Lebedevs 12 points
2 Maciej Janowski 9 points
3 Fredrik Lindgren 9 points
4 Martin Vaculik 8 points
5 Leon Madsen 8 points
6 Dan Bewley 8 points
7 Max Fricke 8 points
8 Robert Lambert 7 points
9 Kai Huckenbeck 6 points
10 Bartos Zmarzlik 6 points
11 Jan Kvech 6 points
12 Dominik Kubera 4 points
13 Jack Holder 2 points
14 Daniils Kolodinskis 2 point
15 Szymon Wozniak 1 point

HEAT 16 – Lambert, Wozniak, Lebedevs, Zmarzlik

This is an important heat for series leader Zmarzlik who needs to pick up points, having just four from his opening three rides.

Lebedevs holds on best to take an early lead before making a mistake under pressure. However, Lebedevs regains the front from Zmarzlik to win ahead of the world champion and Lambert in third.

https://x.com/SpeedwayGP/status/1832473719903551790

HEAT 15 – Huckenbeck, Kolodinskis, Kubera, Bewley

Bewley beats Kubera in a battle down the back straight and despite the Brit taking the third corner very wide he holds the lead.

Kubera takes second ahead of Kolodinskis. Despite his exploits early in the meeting Huckenbeck fails to take any points.

HEAT 14 – Madsen, Gusts , Vaculik, Kvech

Vaculik finds some speed down the back straight on the opening lap and just squeezes through to take the early lead.

Madsen is comfortably in second and Kvech finishes third.

HEAT 13 – Holder, Fricke, Lindgren, Janowski

The track has been watered and treated during a break in proceedings and may ride differently for competitors. All the riders are frantically trying to create a groove in the starting gate.

Janowski from the outside carries his speed but comes under pressure from Fricke. The Australian has the speed to challenge but finishes second and Lindgren takes third, just fending off Holder.

WHERE CAN I WATCH THE 2024 SPEEDWAY GRAND PRIX?

Eurosport and discovery+ will show live coverage of every round of 2024 Speedway Grand Prix action.

Every meeting, including qualifying, will be broadcast in full and will be accessible live-on-demand on discovery+ and Eurosport's digital platforms. Eurosport.com will provide live coverage, reaction and video highlights of every single meeting.

STANDINGS AFTER THREE RIDES EACH

Here are the current standings:

1 Andzejs Lebedevs 9 points
2 Fredrik Lindgren 8 points
3 Kai Huckenbeck 6 points
4 Maciej Janowski 6 points
5 Leon Madsen 6 points
6 Robert Lambert 6 points
7 Max Fricke 6 points
8 Martin Vaculik 5 points
9 Dan Bewley 5 points J
10 Jan Kvech 5 points
11 Bartos Zmarzlik 4 points
12 Jack Holder 2 points
13 Dominik Kubera 2 points
14 Daniils Kolodinskis 1 point
15 Szymon Wozniak 1 point

HEAT 12 – Ansviesulis, Lebedevs, Kubera, Holder

Lebedevs, Kubera and Holder change positions on the opening lap in a tight exchange. Eventually it’s Lebedevs who has enough to see off a charging holder in second and Kubera third

HEAT 11 – Vaculik, Lambert, Kolodinskis, Lindgren

Lindgren is the rider quickest away from the tape and rides away to victory as the rest are left battling behind.

Vaculik comes from the back despite some nervous moments to take second. However, Lambert passes his competitor on the final bend to finish second ahead of Vaculik.

https://x.com/SpeedwayGP/status/1832467653786505409

HEAT 10 – Fricke, Bewley, Zmarzlik, Madsen

Madsen from the outside gate carries his speed to take an early lead. Fricke looks to challenge the leader on the second lap before having to change his line and settles for second.

Bewley is also close behind in third, while world champion Zmarzlik is left in fourth.

HEAT 9 – Wozniak, Huckenbeck, Janowski, Kvech

Huckenbeck takes the first turn quickest as he continues to be one of those to beat tonight.

Kvech is the only rider able to match the German’s speed as he shadows in second and Janowski is left chasing in third.

STANDINGS AFTER TWO RIDES EACH

Here are the current standings:

1. Andzejs Lebedevs 6 points
2. Fredrik Lindgren 5 points
3. Maciej Janowski 5 points
4. Bartos Zmarzlik 4 points
5. Martin Vaculik 4 points
6. Robert Lambert 4 points
7. Dan Bewley 4 points
8. Max Fricke 4 points
9 Kai Huckenbeck 3 points
10 Leon Madsen 3 points
11 Jan Kvech 3 points
12 Dominik Kubera 1 point
13 Daniils Kolodinskis 1 point
14 Szymon Wozniak 1 point
15 Jack Holder 0 points

https://x.com/SpeedwayGP/status/1832459801265156473

HEAT 8 – Lebedevs, Vaculik, Fricke, Huckenbeck

Three of the four starters won their first heats. Lebedevs starts quickest through the middle and just about holds off a quick Fricke who pushed him on the opening turn. Fricke is determined to test for the lead but finished second ahead of Vaculik in third.

https://x.com/SpeedwayGP/status/1832462076188508344

HEAT 7 – Kvech, Zmarzlik, Holder, Kolodinskis

From gate two Zmarzlik gets the start he needs. Kvech is the only rider who can follow the world champion. Zmarzlik takes his first win of the evening ahead of Kvech and guest rider Kolodinskis in third.

HEAT 6 – Lindgren, Kubera, Madsen, Wozniak

Lindgren gets the fastest start from the inside gate but he has to close the door on Wozniak who was racing up the inside.

The move completely killed Wozniak’s speed as Lindgren rode away from Madsen in second and Kubera third.

HEAT 5 – Gusts, Janowski, Bewley, Lambert

Reserve rider Gusts comes in for Michelsen who has been taken to hospital after his crash. Janowski starts quickest, while behind Lambert is halted as Bewley cuts him off out wide.

The two British riders are left battling for the remainer of the points as Janowski comfortably wins ahead of Bewley and then Lambert.

HEAT 4 – Zmarzlik, Lindgren, Huckenbeck, Michelsen

Big crash as Zmarzlik starts quickest and then looks to hold off Michelsen. However, the series leader loses his grip and collects Michelsen as they both crash into the hoardings.

The rivals are very close together when they collide meaning whose fault it is, is not clear. Michelsen is the rider who gets eliminated from the heat.

However, Michelsen is stretchered off in an ambulance so will be out of the evening.

From the re-start Huckenbeck starts quickest riding away with Lindgren in second and Zmarzlik a distant third.

Lindgren kept the leader under pressure but couldn’t find the pace to pass.

HEAT 3 – Kubera, Kvech, Lambert, Fricke

A tight start sees Fricke pass Kubera. Lambert almost hits the back of Kubera on the opening lap.

The British star has the speed passing Kubera and then Fricke to take a convincing win. Fricke has to settle for second and Kvech in third.

https://x.com/SpeedwayGP/status/1832454327006327283

HEAT 2- Bewley, Holder, Wozniak, Vaculik

Vaculik with a lightening quick start as his bike seems to have more pace than the rest through the first turn and second straight. Bewley keeps up with the leader but finishes second.

A distant Wozniak has to settle for third after fending off Holder.

HEAT 1 – Janowski, Madsen, Kolodinskis, Lebedevs

A nice move into the opening corner sees home favourite Lebedevs sweep below his opponent to lead. Janowski is left chasing but can’t close the gap while Madsen is in third well ahead of Kolodinskis.

https://x.com/SpeedwayGP/status/1832450586458849301

TEN-MINUTE WARNING

The riders have been introduced to the crowd here and we are less then ten minutes away from tapes being up in Latvia.

MICHELSEN QUALFIES QUICKEST

Mikkel Michelsen is in the title battle and just 20 points behind leader Martin Vaculik. The Danish star qualified quickest ahead of Dan Bewley and Vaculik. Lambert qualified fourth quickest and Lindgren in sixth.

Mikkel Michelsen po zwycięstwie w Grand Prix Landshut

Image credit: Eurosport

VIDEO: START IS KEY FOR LAMBERT

British star Robert Lambert says that getting off to the start quickest is key as he searched for a vital win in Latvia. Lambert had to battle from the middle gates in last weekend’s rounds and will be hoping to take control this time around.

‘Getting off the start is key’ - Lambert outlines plans for Speedway Grand Prix in Riga

CAN ROBERT LAMBERT WIN FIRST ROUND?

British rider Robert Lambert is joint second in the series standings and just 15 points behind the series leader.

However, the 26-year-old is yet to win his maiden grand prix. After making his debut in 2015, Lambert has ridden in 49 events and reached nine finals.

This season the Brit has finished on the podium four times and was runner-up in Cardiff last month. The consistency of Lambert has led him to becoming a title challenger.

VIDEO: TOP FIVE OVERTAKES FROM WROCLAW

With the FIM Speedway Grand Prix reaching its conclusion racing was close in Wroclaw last weekend. There were several crashes and tensions rose as series rivals gave it everything for overtakes.

Top 5 Overtakes from Speedway Grand Prix in Wroclaw as Vaculik takes win

VACULIK TAKES SECOND VICTORY OF SEASON IN POLAND

Last weekend saw Martin Vaculik win his second round of this year’s FIM Speedway Grand Prix. The Slovakian rider finished top in the points table following the heats and had his pick of gates in the semi-final and final.

However, second and third place finishes for Fredrik Lindgren and Robert Lambert respectively saw them gain ground in the title race against leader Bartos Zmarzlik. Reigning world champion Zmarzlik suffered a mechanical in the semi-final giving hope to his series rivals.

SERIES STANDINGS

After eight of this season’s 11 rounds Bartosz Zmarzlik leads the way but has seen his advantage cut during the last two rounds.

Here are the current standings heading into round nine.

1 Bartos Zmarzlik 121 points
=2 Fredrik Lindgren 106 points
=2 Robert Lambert 106 points
4 Mikkel Michelsen 101 points
5 Martin Vaculik 95 points
6 Jack Holder 93 points
7 Dan Bewley 84 points
8 Dominik Kubera 73 points
9 Leon Madsen 67 points
10 Andzejs Lebedevs 51 points
11 Szymon Wozniak 51 points
12 Jason Doyle 47 points
13 Kai Huckenbeck 46 points
14 Max Fricke 42 points
15 Jan Kvech 30 points
16 Tai Woffinden 23 points
17 Maciej Janowski 9 points
18 Oskar Fajfer 6 points
19 Vaclav Milik 4 points
20 Tom Brennan 4 points
21 Mateusz Cierniak 3 points
22 Matej Zagar 2 points
23 Norick Blödorn 2 points
24 Kim Nilsson 1 points

WHERE CAN I WATCH THE 2024 SPEEDWAY GRAND PRIX?

Eurosport and discovery+ will show live coverage of every round of 2024 Speedway Grand Prix action. Every meeting, including qualifying, will be broadcast in full and will be accessible live-on-demand on discovery+ and Eurosport's digital platforms. Eurosport.com will provide live coverage, reaction and video highlights of every single meeting.

Find out more here