In 2020 Timo Lahti proved that he deserves a place among the best riders of Europe. Finnish rider stood on the podium in Gniezno and Toruń and lacked only two points to place in the TOP 5. Last year's competitions were not successful for him, but the rider emphasizes that it is a matter of equipment problems - I am a better rider than what you saw in last season.
Timo Lahti made his SEC debut in 2019 in Vojens, where he started as a reserve. The rider from Kouvola finished sixth, and he advanced to 'the last chance' heat about the final.
A year later Lahti was already a regular rider of SEC series. In the first two rounds, which took place in Toruń and Bydgoszcz, he scored eight points each, but it was worse in Rybnik, where he finished in 16th place, scoring only two points. Hardly anyone could predict what happened in Gniezno and Toruń (the final round). The representative of Finland took second and third place respectively, which meant that he lacked only two points to a place guaranteeing participation in the next cycle.
After a very successful end to the SEC 2020 many predicted that Timo Lahti could be the "dark horse" of the SEC 2021. Finally, he scored 14 points in four rounds and finished 14th.
Lahti insists that what we saw last year was caused by equipment problems that he overcame in the second part of the season.
- SEC 2020 was good for me. I was only few points away from top 5 which was my goal. The last year's series came for me in a bad time. On that time when all SEC rounds were held I had some issues with my equipment. After that my season turned upside down and I was scoring well everywhere. I am better rider than what you saw in SEC last season.
Just like last year, Lahti will fight for the participation in the SEC in the qualification rounds, which will start on 30 April. The rider emphasises that participation in this year's Individual European Championships is his main goal for the upcoming season. For Timo, an additional motivation to be in the SEC 2022 line-up are the tracks on which this year's competition will take place.
- My main individual goal is to get a ticket to SEC again. We are working hard on that. Also, the venues where the rounds will be held this season used to be good tracks for me. I have made great results on them. Łódź is my home track in polish league. Last year, I finished third in Golden helmet of the city of Pardubice, and scored maximum in Gustrow in German final. I'm confident I could be fighting for the top spots.
Timo Lahti has a busy season ahead of him. The rider will represent the three teams - Orzeł Łódź (Poland), Region Varde Elitesport (Denmark) and Rospiggarna Hallstavik. His dedication to the Swedish club - for which he will be starting already for the 11th season - deserves special attention.
- Hallstavik is like my second home. I race there first time with 500cc bike when I was 15. The local club treats me like a home son and I have always felt good there. Atmosphere is good and the home track suits me.
