Emil makes the podium as NGK riders excel in World Speedway Championship
Date: Thursday 07 October 2021
NGK-sponsored Emil Sayfutdinov has finished third in the 2021 FIM Speedway World Championship.
The Russian finished behind fellow countryman Artem Laguta and runner-up Bartosz Zmarzlik at the end of a Grand Prix series that saw three NGK-sponsored riders finish in the top six with Sweden’s Freddie Lindgren taking fifth place and Briton Tai Woffinden sixth.
Speaking after the final two rounds at Torun in Poland, Sayfutdinov said he was pleased with a podium finish after a season of mechanical challenges as he dramatically improved on his eighth place in 2020.
He said:
“I am just really happy about that bronze medal because I think we did a great job as a team. Everyone achieved this medal after the problems we had with the bike setup.
“Of course, our goal was different, but we concentrated and fought for that medal. Compared to what I scored in the Grand Prix last season, it is completely different for sure.
“But we have had really big problems with the engines. If you have problems with the engine, you have a lot of problems with your mind and the team has a lot of stress also.
“The end is more important than the beginning, though, and we made more history. We will try to be ready for next year. We just need to think about a few things and for sure there will be some testing. Hopefully it will be good.”
Sayfutdinov was runner-up in the final Grand Prix round in Torun while Woffinden was third in the penultimate event and both riders automatically qualify for next year’s SGP series along with Lindgren.
England’s Robert Lambert finished in a creditable tenth position in the overall standings while fellow NGK-sponsored rider Matej Zagar was thirteenth.
John Money, who handles Speedway sponsorship on behalf of NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd, said:
“It was a fantastic achievement by the three riders to finish in the top six with Emil’s performance obviously being the highlight. All the riders have provided great entertainment for all NGK customers who are Speedway fans and I’m sure they will all be determined to do even better next season.”
All the NGK riders’ bikes were fitted with NGK spark plugs and the NGK logo was also featured on the riders’ boards and heat boards at each Grand Prix.
For more information about NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd and its products and services, please visit www.ngkntk.com/uk
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