Fairytale finish for Hans

Dane takes victory as Crump is denied by mechanical problems

Last updated: 27th September 2008

Andersen: Broke his barren run
Photo courtesy of Fotospeedway.pl

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Hans Andersen claimed a surprise victory in the Italian Grand Prix as the race for the world title took several dramatic twists.

Reigning champion Nicki Pedersen had arrived at Lonigo for the penultimate round looking to retain his crown having produced a perfect seven-race record at the venue last year.

However twice the Dane crashed in the opening 20 heats, meaning he missed out on finishing in the top eight and a place in the semi-finals.

He was forced to watch on as his nearest rival Jason Crump looked set to close the gap with a win, only for a mechanical problem in the closing stages to deny him in heartbreaking fashion.

Thrilling finish

As the Australian faltered on the final lap, Andersen came charging through to claim his first GP victory in two years, his last coming in Prague 22 races ago.

Bjarne Pedersen ended up finishing in second in his first final of the season to make it a Danish 1-2 at the top of the podium.

Crump limped home in third ahead of compatriot Leigh Adams, finishing the night with a personal haul of 18 points, meaning he trails by 16 heading to Gelsenkirchen for the final Grand Prix of the season.

"We had an ignition problem," a despondent Crump said afterwards. "12 was do-able, 16 isn't, is it? It should have been a lot less."

A fiesty evening began with a crash in the opening heat, Pedersen going over in a tangle with Freddie Lindgren. He was down again in race eight after a coming together with title rival Crump.

Costly exclusions

Pedersen was excluded by the referee and was unable to make up further ground in his remaining rides, meaning he finished with just six points.

There was also disappointment for the two Brits, starting with Chris Harris having to pull out through injury following a crash in Friday's practice.

Scott Nicholls was fit to go and managed a heat win to get eight points, though he missed out on a semi-final spot to Greg Hancock.

In the end an exclusion in his first race for breaking the tape cost him dear. He bounced back with victory in heat seven before confronting Lukas Dryml after his rival had nearly sent him into the barrier.