2027 Speedway Grand Prix: Final wildcard awarded – Kai Huckenbeck named as reserve

Following a foot injury in May, Fredrik Lindgren missed six Grand Prix events in a row and thus had no chance of earning a place in the 2027 line-up. As expected, the 41-year-old was awarded the fourth and final wildcard, meaning that three of the four places have gone to riders recovering from long-term injuries. In Riga, the Swede returned to the Grand Prix field and made it through to the last-chance heats in the final two races at Vojens and Thorn (Torun). “It’s been one of my toughest seasons in a long time, and I think it’s the first time in my career that I’ve suffered such a serious injury so early in the season,” Lindgren reflected. “The road back to the motorbike was long and arduous, and even though I’m riding again, I’m still a long way from 100 per cent. I’m still having problems with my foot and am in a lot of pain, which is why I can’t walk normally.”

Freddy Lindgren still in pain

“It’s difficult when you know in the back of your mind that you’re not 100 per cent fit, but you still have to compete against the best in the world. But I’ve fought hard and still achieved decent results, even though the circumstances were far from ideal. That’s a positive thing,” noted Lindgren, who has a fair bit of work ahead of him over the winter. “I’ve got a long way to go, but I’m working hard at it,” said the veteran rider. “My fitness has to be right, my mental state has to be right, my kit has to be top-notch and the team around me has to function well. I need to stay healthy throughout and be on the start line for every race. That’s crucial, and that’s exactly what I’m working towards.”

Having won silver at the 2023 World Championships and several bronze medals (2018, 2020, 2024), Lindgren is confident and believes he can go all the way. “I want to become the oldest rider ever to be crowned world champion for the first time in Adelaide. That’s the picture I have in my mind; that’s my goal.”

Along with the final permanent wildcard, the five reserve riders who will step in should a regular GP participant drop out have also been announced. The list is headed by the Czech rider Jan Kvech, who has recently been in top form and was also tipped as a candidate for a permanent wildcard. Kai Huckenbeck, who has made several appearances this year, was nominated as the third reserve.

Confirmed riders for the 2027 Speedway Grand Prix:

Replacement:

Kai Huckenbeck

Foto: FIM