NGK-sponsored Speedway star Emil Sayfutdinov raced to third place at the ANLAS Czech Republic FIM Speedway Grand Prix.

The Russian rider collected 15 points in front of thousands of fans at Prague's Marketa Stadium at the meeting which was won by Sweden’s Fredrik Lindgren.

However, it was a disappointing GP for fellow NGK-sponsored riders Greg Hancock and Matej Zagar who both scored just seven points.

Sayfutdinov (28), a two-time World Under 21 Champion, said: “I want to say a massive thank you to all the fans from Russia. They came out to watch and support.

“I’m happy to be on the podium, I felt like we had to change every heat because of the track. The set up on the bike was always different.

“We tried to put something new together to get the speed and I’m pleased we ended up on the podium, now I’m looking forward to the future.”

Sayfutdinov is now in fifth place in the championship on 23 points, just nine points behind the leader Lindgren, with Zagar in seventh position on 16 points and four-time World Champion Hancock just one point behind in ninth place.

NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd Marketing Manager Mark Hallam said: “It was a great performance by Emil to make the podium and he is now in a very strong position in the championship. I’m sure that he will be looking forward to continuing his good form at the Danish GP at the end of June when Matej and Greg will also be striving to climb the leader board.”

NGK – a leading supplier of original equipment (OE) spark plugs, glow plugs and NTK Lambda and other engine management sensors – is a big supporter of Speedway and sponsors a number of top riders as well as the Wolverhampton Wolves team.

For more information on NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd and its products and services, please visit the website www.ngkntk.co.uk