German GP postponed

Bad weather leaves track too damp

Last updated: 11th October 2008

Pedersen: Made to wait

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Saturday night's German Grand Prix has been postponed following a track inspection in Gelsenkirchen.

The decision means that leader and defending champion Nicki Pedersen will have to wait until next Saturday in order to try and retain his title.

However, the city's VELTINS-Arena, in which a track had been specially constructed, will not host the final round of the 2008 season.

The event will now take place at the ZKS Polonia Stadium in Bydgoszcz, Poland.

According to www.speedwayworld.tv, adverse weather conditions last week affected the moisture levels in the track surface.

The combination of that and cold conditions in the stadium meant that the track was unable to dry out sufficiently.

All ticket holders are to receive a refund and will also be offered a free ticket to a BSI-promoted Grand Prix of their choice in 2009.

Paul Bellamy, managing director of BSI Speedway, said: "We are very sorry for all the fans who have booked tickets and were looking forward to a great night of speedway.

"If there was any way we could have put this event on we would have, but the decision of the FIM Jury with regard to rider safety is paramount and we fully support this decision.

"We now need to focus on the event next weekend in Bydgoszcz and make sure the final Grand Prix of the season is a great event for everyone involved, in particular the fans."

Pedersen holds a 16-point lead over Australia's Jason Crump heading into the final round.