Jonsson claims victory at German Speedway GP

At the end of an exciting evening of racing at the VELTINS Arena it was an elated Andreas Jonsson who climbed onto the top step of the victory rostrum. In the final of the 100th Grand Prix since the launch of the world speedway championship the Swede claimed the 100,000 dollar first prize, clocking the best time of the day to beat Greg Hancock of the USA and Australia's Jason Crump.

In finishing third in Gelsenkirchen, "Crumpie", as the Australian is affectionately known to his fans, also secured third place in the overall world championship ranking. Nicki Pedersen of Denmark had already sealed the world championship title three weeks ahead of the prestigious 100th Grand Prix meeting, with Crump's compatriot Leigh Adams securing the runners-up berth.

Nevertheless, the fact that only third place was left up for grabs at the final round of the FIM Speedway Grand Prix series did nothing to lessen the excitement. A crowd of over 20,000 at the VELTINS Arena created a tremendous atmosphere as the top 16 speedway riders this season went head to head. After the 20 heats the top eight scorers progressed to the two semi-finals, and there was plenty of racing as the riders fought for every inch of ground.

And by the time Greg Hancock (USA), Nicki Pedersen (DEN), Rune Holta (POL) and Andreas Jonsson (SWE) took to the track for the first semi-final no one was left in their seats. After an exciting race it was Hancock and Jonsson who made it through to the evening's Grand Final. World champion Pedersen, who had been unable to race for the previous two weeks due to a shoulder injury and was not in the best of shape, made a good start but suddenly slowed down on the final lap and came in last behind Holta in third. But with the World Championship already in his pocket the result did nothing to dampen his good mood.

The second semi-final was contested by Jason Crump (AUS), Bjarne Pedersen (DEN), Hans Andersen (DEN) and Leigh Adams (AUS). As the riders approached turn three Andersen's back wheel struck a rut, hurling the Dane violently to the ground and taking out his compatriot Pedersen in the process. Pedersen recovered sufficiently to take part in the re-run, but Andersen was excluded for causing the crash. And it was Adams who eventually took the honours, crossing the line ahead of Crump and then Pedersen.

Bang on time at ten o'clock the four finalists - Hancock, Jonsson, Adams and Crump - took to the track for the grand final. And with the best time of the day the Swede Jonsson left his rivals in his wake to claim the biggest winner's cheque in the history of the FIM Speedway Grand Prix series.