What Is 2013 Speedway Grand Prix of Italy

Overview

The 2013 Speedway Grand Prix of Italy was a pivotal event in the Speedway World Championship series, serving as the 10th round of the 13-race 2013 SGP season. Held on September 28, 2013, the competition took place at the Pista Olimpia Terenzano, a temporary outdoor track in Terenzano, a small town in northeastern Italy.

This Grand Prix attracted top international speedway riders competing for championship points under intense racing conditions. The Italian round has historically drawn strong European support, and the 2013 edition was no exception, featuring dramatic heats and a surprise victory that reshaped the title race.

• Event date: The race was held on September 28, 2013, marking the penultimate month of the SGP calendar.
• Venue: The Pista Olimpia Terenzano hosted the event, a clay track constructed specifically for the Grand Prix each year.
• Winner:Jarosław Hampel of Poland claimed first place, earning 22 championship points and his second SGP win of the season.
• Runner-ups:Tai Woffinden finished second, while Chris Holder placed third, both critical contenders in the overall standings.
• Format: The event followed the standard SGP structure—20 heats with 16 riders competing in a round-robin format to determine the final four.

How It Works

The Speedway Grand Prix series uses a consistent structure across all rounds, including the Italian event, to determine world champion standings through accumulated points.

• Heats:Each Grand Prix consists of 20 heats, with four riders competing in each, and points awarded based on finishing position.
• Qualification:16 permanent riders compete in every round, with one wild card and two track reserves selected per event.
• Scoring:First place earns 3 points, second gets 2, third gets 1, and fourth gets 0 in each heat; total points determine rankings.
• Final: The top four point-earners after all heats compete in a final heat to determine the round winner and podium finishers.
• Championship Points:Winners receive 25 points toward the world championship, with decreasing points down to 16th place.
• Track Design:Temporary clay ovals are built at each venue, typically 260–400 meters long, with no brakes or gears used on bikes.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2013 Italian SGP differed from other rounds in rider performance and final outcomes—here’s how it stacked up:

The Italian round highlighted how unpredictable the 2013 season was, with Hampel’s win disrupting the dominance of Holder and Woffinden. Track conditions favored aggressive riders, and the tight clay surface led to multiple crashes and tactical racing. The outcome kept the championship race open heading into the final rounds, increasing fan engagement across Europe.

Why It Matters

The 2013 Speedway Grand Prix of Italy played a crucial role in shaping the final championship standings and demonstrated the global competitiveness of the sport.

• Championship Impact: Hampel’s win tightened the title race, reducing Holder’s lead and boosting Polish national pride.
• Track Conditions: The clay surface in Terenzano proved challenging, emphasizing rider adaptability and track preparation.
• Global Reach: Hosting the event in Italy reinforced the SGP’s expansion beyond traditional speedway nations.
• Fan Engagement: Over 10,000 spectators attended, showing strong regional interest in motorcycle racing.
• Rider Momentum: Woffinden’s second-place finish helped him eventually win the 2013 world title.
• Historical Context: This was the 7th time Italy hosted an SGP round, underscoring its growing role in the sport.

The 2013 Italian Speedway Grand Prix remains a memorable chapter in speedway history, combining surprise results, intense competition, and strategic importance in the world championship narrative.