FORMER Ipswich star and world No.2 Jaroslaw Hampel says Polish Ekstraliga clubs are making a big mistake in restricting teams to just one Grand Prix rider in 2012.
FORMER Ipswich star and world No.2 Jaroslaw Hampel says Polish Ekstraliga clubs are making a big mistake in restricting teams to just one Grand Prix rider in 2012.
There are plans to expand the top flight from eight to ten sides next term and it is reported that every club will have to track four Poles.
Should the new rules come into force, champions Leszno would have to choose between Hampel and Janusz Kolodziej if both men retain their places in the World Championship for next year.
With five SGP regulars guaranteed to miss out on Ekstraliga team berths, Hampel has hit out at the changes.
He said: “It’s unfair to my club, which has a plan, a long-term vision of the team. This may be meaningless now.”
Hampel added: “I do not know what this rule is intended to do. Is it to make savings at the club? It’s not the way to do it. These are the riders fans are passionate about.
“I believe that last season’s league was pretty balanced and unpredictable. Even if the 2012 season will see ten teams in the Ekstraliga, it means that the five Speedway Grand Prix riders will not be able to compete in it.”
speedwaygp.com
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