Russian skipper Emil Sayfutdinov has hailed his team after they made it through to the Monster Energy FIM Speedway World Cup for the first time in four years.
Russia won the race off on forty six points, beating favourites Australia by thirteen points to make it through to the final. Sayfutdinov was understandably delighted with his teams performance, claiming that it was easier for them without pressure.
“It’s brilliant. I couldn’t believe it! It was a good performance from our team. All the guys like Kudriashov, Tarasenko and Gleb Chugunov – they’re young riders and they showed how good they can be.
“We didn’t have any pressure. We just did our job. Before the meeting, we kept smiling and doing what we could. In every heat we tried to win the start and even if we didn’t, we could pass. So I am happy.
“I think it’s awesome for us. It was a big success today and we’ll see what happens tomorrow. I just want to say thanks to everyone who supported us. We’ll see you tomorrow.”
Team Russia are hopeful that they will win their first World Cup medal since their bronze at Swedish track Malilla in 2012. Sayfutdinov was particularly impressed with young gun Gleb Chugunov.
“This is good for the future. But we just want to concentrate more on pushing tomorrow. We will see. It will be a difficult day and harder because it’s a Final. But there’s no pressure. We’re just going there to enjoy it.”
“Gleb is young and he’s from Salavat, the town where I was born. That’s an amazing feeling. When he was young, I helped him a little bit. He listened and now he’s riding in the World Cup. I am so happy he did it for Russia. He did a good job.”
