False dawn

I stand corrected. And I'm pleased to be wrong (I hope the Missus ain't reading this). Seriously I am. I thought I'd read otherwise some months ago. Did they change the rules again since? So, did Vaclav Milik, by running wide in the final turn of heat 19 last night, not only lose a chance of a run off for a top 3 place (or even a top 1 place) but also 4th place? By my figuring he finished 5th behind Aleksandr Loktajev on race wins. An extremely expensive mistake (possibly).

But as I said earlier, that is not quite the case now that the FIM have changed the rules. Up until this year, position 4 last night could hang on to the hope that Matej Zagar qualifies for next year by finishing high enough in this year's GP series. Now the FIM have closed that door by saying if a top 3 finisher from the GP Challenge qualifies some other way (Challenge or SEC), then they will award an additional wildcard. I think this is so unfair. To give existing GP riders a free shot at qualification for the following year (especially via the challenge) and to effectively exclude another rider, makes a mockery of the qualification system. In the extreme, we could imagine three existing GP riders finishing in the top three of the Challenge and thus making the Challenge completely meaningless.

The 4th place is not automatically selected anymore. The FIM put in another wildcard

Yes. A 4 man run off for 3 places. You wouldn't go home very happy if you were last in that race!

You've got a target on your back now Well played.

Robert has a great future. But let's take great pride in his achievement today. As David Rowe in commentary, he was in the National League 7 years ago. And now, he is beginning a World class career, winning a major championship and heading into the GP series next year. A special day.

British National Anthem

What a wonderful result.

Snap

Finish no worse than one place behind Leon assuming Leon gets through the last chance

It looks like KK could play an important part in the final result of this competition. The irony of that cannot be lost on anyone who know how reliable (or otherwise) he is! Heat 17 with KK off gate 1 might result in a few having pause for thought for the rest of the meeting. Good luck everyone.

I really hope the youmg/amatuer riders get some on track action this year. I assume, given the lack of profession racing, fans will flood in and watch our future talent. You won't be disappointed. I've got my ticket for Scunthorpe already.

As long as he behaves, off track, better than he did at Poole. Otherwise, he'll be on the first plane home.

He was such an exciting rider a couple of years ago. It is so disappointing to see him in "the crowd".

I know. But they think that Labour will win the next election as well. I'll get my coat

Talking of Lee. Did anyone else notice those eyes?

Made of rubber!

That's good advice in normal circumstances

Well thanks for all the fun for 4 rounds. It's 2 more rounds than I usually stay. A happy meeting result anyway with our Robert winning and taking the series lead. Happy betting for Torun to the survivors

Oh bugger

Hey up!!!

Mark might get into the lead depending on what David Bellego does. But Terry is sitting pretty if KK doesn't fall apart.

Thanks RR. That's a kind thought for a fallen champion in the making

Game over

Are you sure it was a guess?