GB will be a force again says FIM Director

Images courtesy of Taylor Lanning Photography

The Italian legend has endured a tough few weeks during the Coronavirus global crisis which has caused havoc with the 2020 racing campaign. But Castagna, 57, is impressed with the new regime of Great Britain and is looking forward to hopefully staging the Speedway of Nations finals in Manchester in late October. He said: “I have a very good relationship with Rob Painter and Vicky Blackwell, they prove and they show the Speedway World how to run a team professionally, and how it should be done. In my opinion, they know how to organise things. I saw this last year at the World Under-21 Team final in Manchester, it was a shock to see just how good their set-up was for Great Britain. They have a very good backroom team put together, very professional people and I like the way they go about their business. Every country and federation should learn to act on how to present their team like Great Britain. They deal with the authorities also very professionally and I only have good words to say. I hope in Great Britain they are recognised as soon as possible in a good way and given the best support possible in all areas.”

Castagna was quick to acknowledge the new Great Britain Academy which was due to kick off in 2020 but has naturally been delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic. He added: “The youth set-ups in other countries like Poland and Denmark have been very strong for a few years. I am delighted with the proper structure Great Britain have installed. I think they can become a bigger team force in years to come.” Castagna also revealed that he wishes to give Glasgow a big FIM event over the next couple of years while Belle Vue remains one of his favourite circuits. He continued: “My opinion is that we stage a big event at Glasgow within the next two years. This is a promise. Obviously we were going to have the GP qualifier on May 23 but that had to be cancelled. But I want them to have a big meeting for next year. We are trying to to put meetings at clubs which put a lot of effort. Manchester is a classic example. What they have done is fantastic. Their prize is big meetings. And we are going to do the same with Glasgow because they are doing a great job in their local area. I think Manchester is one of the best tracks in the world, if not the best. Whatever the event, the racing is always fantastic.”