European champion Andzejs Lebedevs admits “I feel stronger in my mind” as he bids to continue a fine start to the FIM Speedway Grand Prix season at the FIM Speedway GP of Czech Republic – Prague this Saturday.
Lebedevs heads to the Czech capital placed third in the Speedway GP World Championship on 29 points – nine short of leader Brady Kurtz and just four behind reigning world champion Bartosz Zmarzlik, who is second.
The Latvian racer finished third at the opening Speedway GP round in Landshut on May 3, scoring 16 championship points – plus one extra for taking fourth spot in the sprint race. He then added another 12 for finishing fifth in the Orlen Oil FIM Speedway GP of Poland – Warsaw on May 17.
In his second full Speedway GP season, Lebedevs believes a stronger mind is making all the difference as he delivers stronger performances on the track.
He said: “I think you can see this year that I feel stronger in my mind. I really trust in myself and what I can do on the track. That’s a crucial thing and it’s a key for the results I am now showing.
“You must be consistent if you want to fight in the championship. Warsaw was the second round where I showed I can fight with everyone – and on a one-day track also. It’s hard for everyone, but I found some solutions for racing well.
“I didn’t make the final, but I am also not disappointed with myself. My team and I did a really good job, and we went home with a smile.
“I felt really comfortable on this track. My bike worked well. I just kept focused and now I will concentrate for the rest of the season. I feel comfortable on the bike and my mind is strong.”
Lebedevs has three possible ways to qualify for the 2026 Speedway GP series. He hopes to retain his Speedway European Championship crown, which would guarantee him SGP qualification.
He will also represent Latvia in the Speedway GP qualifying rounds, which get underway in June, with the top four riders at the FIM SGP Challenge in Holsted, Denmark on August 9 also earning places in the 2026 series.
As it stands, Lebedevs may not need either of those options if he retains his spot in the Speedway GP top seven. He may even mount a medal bid.
But he insisted: “My main goal is to keep my place in the GP safe for next year. If I can compete for a higher place in the standings, that will be a success for me. I also want to retain my European Championship. That is one of my main goals for this season.”