SWINDON skipper Jason Doyle is an automatic qualifier for the 2021 Grand Prix series, writes NIGEL PEARSON.

After a poor start to this year’s competition in Wroclaw in August, Doyle recovered well to claim the sixth and final spot without needing a selection from competition organisers.

He had to wait for the final in Torun at the weekend to know his spot was secure because if Russian racer Artem Laguta won it he would have claimed 20 points and pipped Doyle by a point.

But the meeting was won by Bartosz Zmarzlik who also claimed his second successive world title.

“I’m pleased with the final position just because of the poor start I had,” he said. “I managed only eight points from the Wroclaw weekend but I knew I had time to work on things before the next round.

“I then got runners-up spot in Gorzow on the Friday and another podium finish in third the following night so that got my Grand Prix campaign back on track.

“We had to work hard as a team to put it right and that’s exactly what we did, I was feeling better about things after Gorzow. If anything I’m a little disappointed I didn’t capitalise on that and finish higher than sixth!

“I’d like to thank everyone for their support during the tough times, it was certainly different with back-to-back Grand Prix on Friday and Saturday nights.

“It’s been strange but we got the season done and now I can look forward to next year.”

Doyle admits he has missed Swindon this year following the cancellation of the league season.

“I’ve missed going to Swindon and I’ve missed riding in Britain, to lose an entire season like that is a crying shame,” he said.

“I’d like to say hi to all the Swindon fans and thank them for their support. Hopefully we can all be back together for the start of next season.”