SWINDON Robins rider David Bellego believes France’s appearance in the Speedway of Nations race-off in Manchester next week will serve his country well in the future.

Bellego, who dropped only one point in the Robins’ 58-32 win against Somerset Rebels at the Abbey Stadium on Monday, will team up with Dimitri Berge and Gaetan Stella in the second race-off at the National Speedway Stadium on Tuesday, June 5.

France will face Czech Republic, Finland, Great Britain, Sweden, Italy and Australia in the meeting in Manchester.

And Bellego hopes, with a bit of luck, his nation has a chance of reaching the final.

He said: “It’s going to be good, particularly for France. Because there are only two riders in the format this year, we stand a chance of competing.

“Before in the World Cup, a nation needed five riders, and it was hard to make a team.

“It’s going to be tough, but we’ve got nothing to lose.”

It marks the dawn of a new era for international speedway after the traditional World Cup format was scrapped during the winter to allow more nations – including the likes of Ukraine, Finland, Italy and Germany – the chance to compete on the world stage.

Seven nations will compete in each race-off, with the top three teams from those two events advancing to the final in Wroclaw – which will be hosted over two days, starting on Friday, June 8.

One advantage Bellego has is his appearances at the National Speedway Stadium already this year.

The 25-year-old has scored 7+1 and 8+1 respectively in his two meetings in Manchester this season. And knowing the track could prove an advantage as he eyes passing on the right information to his two team mates.

Bellego said: “I know the track, it will be tough with the riders racing but we’ll give it a good go.

“We’ll still have to qualify if we’re to reach the final, but it’s good for the country to be competing in Manchester.”