Once again, the weather was kind to riders and spectators with sunny skies, temperatures just above zero and with the ice in good condition an entertaining afternoon was anticipated.
- <link http: www.fim-icespeedway.com external-link-new-window external link in new>Day 2 points
- <link http: www.fim-icespeedway.com external-link-new-window external link in new>Standings
- <link http: fim-pictures.com galleries external-link-new-window external link in new>Pictures
An early disappointment was the news that Franky Zorn had been forced to withdraw with an ankle injury from his crash with Niclas Svensson on Saturday. Zorn has enjoyed success on this track in the past, but he will now fly home for treatment in the hope of an early return to the competition.
Martin Haarahiltunen continued his good form and his battle with Dmitry Khomitsevich in Heat 9 was a classic. Although he reached the semi-finals again a fall ended his hopes of a place on the podium. Johan Weber was the only other western rider at this stage and added another 9 points to his first day total. Ove Ledström had an unhappy afternoon with a start disqualification and a retirement restricting his score to 4 points.
In an all-Russian final, it was Daniil Ivanov who took the chequered flag after a great battle with Dmitry Koltakov and he leaves Khasakstan with a three point advantage over Khomitsevich who had been unbeaten in his qualifying races. Saturday’s winner Dinar Valeev failed to repeat his success and finished in fourth place.
Leading scores after Day 2:
1. Daniil Ivanov (Russia) 38
2. Dmitry Khomitsevich (Russia) 35
3. Dinar Valeev (Russia) 32
4. Dmitry Koltakov (Russia) 31
5. Martin Haarahiltunen (Sweden) 2
6. Nikita Toloknov (Russia) 21
7. Johan Weber (Germany) 18
8. Ove Ledström (Sweden) 13
Final 2 of the series will take place in Shadrinsk, Russia next weekend 9th and 10th February.
FIM Communications