The stakes will be even higher in FIM Speedway Grand Prix finals after the SGP Commission confirmed changes to the scoring and qualification system from 2020.
Riders will be awarded championship points according to their finishing position in the SGP meetings, rather than how many points they score in each heat.
The system will see every rider who qualifies for the semi-final guaranteed at least nine championship points, with riders who fall short receiving eight or less on a sliding scale.
The winner of an SGP event will earn 20 championship points, with the runner-up 18, the third-placed rider 16 and the rider in fourth 14 points.
Director of the FIM Track Racing Commission (CCP) Armando Castagna explained the new system will add value to the championships by rewarding riders who reach finals and win rounds more regularly, ensuring an even more thrilling climax to SGP events.
‰ÛÏThe main thinking for us is to harmonise our championship scoring system with other big sports events so that the winner always comes away with the most points, which will help attract and retain a wider audience for our sport," Castagna said.
SGP race director Phil Morris added: ‰ÛÏWe want to reward those riders who get into the finals. Riders in the semi-finals will be giving their absolute all to get through as there is the potential to score an extra eight championship points. That‰Ûªs a big swing and ensures there‰Ûªs everything to race for when we reach that stage of the night, all building to a huge crescendo.‰Û
