ALUN Rossiter believes Jason Doyle’s immense mental strength was what enabled him to claim his maiden FIM World Speedway Championship.

The 32-year-old clinched the crown ahead of Patryk Dudek with a formidable performance at the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne last weekend.

Swindon Robins skipper Doyle needed just eight points from the Australian GP to win the title, a total he would gather with ease as he registered a monster tally of 19 points, as well as the meeting win.

With injury curtailing his bid last term, and with the majority of the season this year dogged by three broken bones in his foot, Rossiter says the Australian showed unbelievable grit to continue competing.

“It was great to see him finally win it and in fairness to him, he thoroughly deserves it,” said Rossiter.

“We all know how close he came last year but I think just the sheer determination of the man, with all the injuries in his foot, we all thought he was mad.

“Unfortunately, I think Doyley is one of these people who has to be occupied, he can’t stay still for too long.

“Everyone wants a bit of him so I’m going to let him bask in his own glory for a little bit and he thoroughly deserves it.”

After coming so close to his lifetime ambition last year, Rossiter says some riders would not have returned for a second attempt.

However, the Swindon chief says it is not a surprise to him that Doyle dusted himself down to give it another go.

“I’ve been around the Grand Prix for quite a while, I’ve been going to them and commentating on them.” he added

“I’ve seen many, many, riders decide that once they have won it or come close, that’s it, they seem to just go off of their level.

“Not Jason, he went to another level and showed that at the moment he is on another level with that sheer will and determination.

“It probably helped that it was in his own back yard but it was still hard to do.

“Once you’ve reached your goal, you could use that as an excuse, but the fact he carried on was amazing.”