Final 1: Ivanov on top again

With temperatures just above zero and a hazy sun the first round of the FIM Ice Speedway World Championship opened the season in Almaty on Saturday and was marked by another masterly performance from current champion Daniil Ivanov. He started the year as he had left it in Heerenveen in 2019 and his unbeaten score in Khasakstan shows his determination to hold on to his title. With temperatures just above zero and a hazy sun the first round of the FIM Ice Speedway World Championship opened the season in Almaty on Saturday and was marked by another masterly performance from current champion Daniil Ivanov. He started the year as he had left it in Heerenveen in 2019 and his unbeaten score in Khasakstan shows his determination to hold on to his title.

It was the Russian riders who were most impressive in the qualifying races with Dmitry Khomitsevich beaten only by Ivanov and Igor Kononov and Dinar Valeev also prominent. Martin Haarahiltunen was again the most competitive of the western riders dropping points only to Ivanov and Khomitsevich in the qualifying races. His elimination at the semi final stage was a disappointment and he was clearly unhappy with the result.

Franz Zorn, usually a strong competitor on this track was not at his best and failed to make the semi-final stage. However, his compatriot Harald Simon had surprised many by qualifying for the final after a great battle with Koltakov and Haarahiltunen. Simon had been unspectacular during qualifying but found his form at the right stage of the meeting.

Johan Weber, the only German in the field also made the semi-final stage despite a retirement in his second race but the remaining Swedes will be disappointed in their result and will look for better performances in Final 2 tomorrow. The Final was an interesting race with Khomitsevich leading into the first bend but Ivanov took less than a lap to overhaul him then cruised to a comfortable win. Behind them Simon was strong enough to keep Kononov in fourth place and take the bronze medal.

Final 2 will start on Sunday at 13.00 local time 08:00 (CET) Enjoy the pictures gallery Almaty CLICK HERE Follow the Live Results and much more!