9:45am Saturday 26th April 2008
By Owen Houlihan
LEIGH Adams won't mind if somebody dominates the early rounds of the World Championship the way Nicki Pedersen did last year - as long as it's him!
Champion Pedersen's blistering start to the 2007 series virtually left his rivals riding for second place a third of the way in to the campaign, but Swindon's skipper is determined to be a frontrunner on this occasion as Slovenia hosts round one tonight.
Adams got closest, claiming his best-ever championship finish of second, but was some way adrift of the dazzling Dane.
And he admitted: "The Grand Prix series is so cut and thrust. Everyone, on their day, can win.
"But I'm looking at getting into a couple of finals early on at least.
"Nicki got out to a fantastic start last year and if that happens this time, I hope it's me in that position. But as long as I get points on the board, that is what matters.
"I've done a lot of testing and I feel really prepared. The bikes are really good and it's full gas from now on.'' Adams has a 2003 victory in the Krsko round on his CV, but despite a commendable third place in Slovenia last year, he admitted: "I went there injured, six days after I'd crashed, and it was hard work. It's a track I really enjoy but I didn't enjoy that.
"But we're looking to get off to a good start this time - that's where we slipped up last year.
"I feel these first two Grands Prix (Slovenia and Poland, on May 10) really are my kind of tracks.
"I feel a lot more comfortable than last year. Then, I was still trying a lot of stuff out when the Grand Prix started.
"This year, I know where I wanted to be, my form is going good and I feel well up for it.'' There is one change to the line-up tonight where injured track reserve Jernej Kolenko is replaced by another Slovenian rider, Denis Stojs.
Britain's Scott Nicholls and Chris Harris are also in the field again this season.
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