Great Britain stormed into the Speedway of Nations Final with an impressive all-round display to win Saturday’s Race-Off at Belle Vue.
Alun Rossiter’s side scored 26 of the 30 points available to them, to finish four clear of Australia and Denmark – with Tai Woffinden (12), Craig Cook (8) and Robert Lambert (6) all playing their part as Rossiter juggled his resources.
Australia also qualified automatically for this summer’s Final in Russia, whilst Denmark went through from the eliminators at the end of the meeting, overcoming France in the final knock-out.
Rossiter said: “It was a positive night – probably the most accomplished night for me as Great Britain manager of a team gelling together and getting on.
“Nothing was a problem; it wasn’t about individuals. It was just about the whole team.
“I think we were worthy winners in Manchester, but it wasn’t about winning. It was nice to win and put a marker down. But it was all about qualifying. We have done the job and done it in style.”
FIM MONSTER ENERGY SPEEDWAY OF NATIONS - RACE-OFF 2, Belle Vue
GREAT BRITAIN 26: Tai Woffinden 12, Craig Cook 8, Robert Lambert 6.
AUSTRALIA 22: Max Fricke 12, Chris Holder 9, Jaimon Lidsey 1.
DENMARK 22: Niels-Kristian Iversen 15, Leon Madsen 5, Frederik Jakobsen 2. (Qualified after run-off)
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FRANCE 16: David Bellego 10, Dimitri Berge 6, Gaetan Stella 0.
USA 16: Luke Becker 11, Brock Nicol 4, Austin Novratil 1.
LATVIA 16: Andzejs Lebedevs 14, Jevgenijs Kostigovs 2, Olegs Mihailovs 0.
FINLAND 8: Tero Aarnio 8, Jesse Mustonen 0, Timi Salonen 0.
(Top 3 all qualify for Final at Togliatti, Russia - 1st leg: Saturday July 20, 2nd leg: Sunday July 21)
Picture: IAN CHARLES