SWINDON Robins skipper Jason Doyle says Australia side will delay any dreams of world title glory until Sunday’s Grand Final after his side claimed the overnight lead at the Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations Finals in Togliatti on Saturday.

The men from Down Under topped the scorechart on 23 points, pipping defending champions and hosts Russia, who tallied 22. In a tight battle for top spot, the Poles are also in hot pursuit on 21 in third.

Great Britain, led by Robins boss Alun Rossiter, are bottom of the seven-team leaderboard on 10 points.

Doyle led his country in fine style with 16 points from a possible 18, with Max Fricke adding five and U21 star Jaimon Lidsey scoring two.

It’s 17 years since Australia’s last world team title win at the 2002 FIM Speedway World Cup Final in Peterborough.

But 2017 FIM Speedway Grand Prix world champion Doyle won’t be getting carried away about the prospect of ending that wait with some big rides ahead of his side on Day 2 on Sunday.

He said: “We don’t think about that until tomorrow night going into the Grand Final. Everyone knows what can happen. We need to keep our heads screwed on and know it’s a new day.

“We’re all doing our country proud and we hope the Aussies back at home can see how much it means to us to ride for our country.

“It’s halfway and we know what can happen in speedway. We need to work very hard in the coming heats to get back the points we missed out on today. Max got on his second bike and started going very fast. That’s a good sign. I’m glad we made that move and we know we’re ready for tomorrow.

“I am very happy with my performance, but I know speedway can change and you never know what can happen.”

Doyle only made his debut for Australia aged 27 in 2013 and feared his chance to represent his country had passed him by. So he was delighted to underline his pride in racing for the Roos with another big haul of points.

He said: “It’s always an honour to ride for your country and it’s a thing I thought would never be possible.

“It’s always close to my heart when I do ride for Australia because I know there are many young boys who still want to ride for their country.

“I take great pride in it and this was a great night for myself with the points I scored. But I know it’s going to be tough tomorrow.”