As a result of many debates FIM, FIM – Europe, BSI and One Sport have entered into an agreement concerning Individual European Championships in 2015. It says that all riders, no matter if they take part in Grand Prix series, can start in the Speedway European Championships qualifying rounds next year – there will be possibility to take part in both series.
As it is admitted by the representatives of One Sport both Armando Castagna (representing FIM) and Frank Ziegler (representing FIM - Europe) have had an essential role in the negotiations between the sides.
“Really big thanks for smooth dealing with the conflict come to many people but especially we would like to thank Armando Castagna and Frank Ziegler. Seeking for the compromise in which all the sides were engaged finally has worked and it can’t be hidden that we are very happy because of the solution. In SEC 2015 first five (not three) of this year’s series will start. Personally we have suggested reduction of wild cards given by us – from five to three and at the same time we declare that we won’t give them to permanent participants of Grand Prix series. However it does not mean that such riders can’t join starts in both series – simply they will have to fight for SEC in qualifying rounds – comment the decision of FIM – Europe promoters of the series from One Sport.
The system of giving permanent wild cards will be changed. Starting from 2015 season, the organizers of European Championships will give them to three riders (not five as it was before). Seven riders will qualify from Challenge which will take place in June next year and the first five of this year’s SEC will receive the place in the series next year automatically – at this moment these riders are: Emil Sayfutdinov, Peter Kildemand, Martin Vaculik, Nicki Pedersen and Janusz Kołodziej.
“We think that the case concerning starts in SEC and SGP is closed. We are very happy that all the sides have wanted to cooperate and have been seeking for compromise and agreement. If somebody wants, he will have the possibility to take part in both series – riders are free to choose. The declaration is clear and official and confirmed by proper signatures” – continue the representatives of One Sport.
“During the SEC round in Holsted there were only two riders from Grand Prix series so we think that the opinion saying that this is duplication verified by itself. Everything seems to be on the right way. It is not an easy year for us but we are looking into the future with optimism and we are happy that we can work on another years of the tournament on an even keel” – end Karol Lejman and Jan Konikiewicz from One Sport.
The new system of qualifying to SEC series (valid from 2015):
5 top riders of SEC 2014
7 riders from the qualifying rounds
3 permanent wild cards
