SAYFUTDINOV SALUTES WORLD CHAMP LAGUTA

World No.3 Emil Sayfutdinov hailed Artem Laguta after his historic FIM Speedway Grand Prix World Championship triumph.

Laguta became the first rider representing the Motorcycling Federation of Russia to win the sport’s biggest prize – a dream Sayfutdinov has always been tipped to fulfil since he burst on to the SGP stage in 2009.

While it was his international team mate who got there first, a proud Sayfutdinov was still one of the first people to rush to Laguta and embrace him when he saw off title rival Bartosz Zmarzlik in last Saturday’s eWinner Torun SGP round 11 semi-final one to seal the gold medal.

The Salavat-born star spent years representing his country at the top level almost single-handedly until Laguta returned to the SGP series in 2018 – the year they won their first of three straight Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations world titles together.

While he still aspires to win a world title of his own, Sayfutdinov was pleased for Laguta and hopes his victory will boost speedway in their homeland.

He said: “Everyone has been waiting for my gold medal, but Artem did it easily this year. He was very fast and his setups and his mind were working very well.

“I don’t know what will happen now after his success. But he needs to try to use it to be better and help grow speedway in our country more and more.”

Sayfutdinov admits he was pleased to add to the bronze medals he won in 2009 and 2019 after defying a season of engine issues.

He said: “It honestly was a difficult season for me. 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 setups.

“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.

“But the end is more important than the beginning 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.”