Hamar transformation begins for final GP.

The transformation of Norway's Viking Ship Stadium from world class ice skating arena into a world championship speedway venue has begun in earnest for the most exiting finale the sport has ever seen for the world championship crown.

Just one point separates current leader Jason Crump, (Australia, 133points) from Denmark's Nicki Pedersen (132points) in the race for the world title. Neither of them has won the championship before and with current and five times world champion Tony Rickardsson on 121points ready to take advantage of any mistake the top two make on Saturday (October 4) the final round of the Series is going to be a cracker.

FIM Race Director Ole Olsen and his team, who are responsible for building the track, have been working flat out to ensure the circuit is in tip-top condition for Saturday.

"We're making great progress," said the former three times world champion, "The stadium roof means that we are not affected by the weather and we can just get on with laying the track. The first of the 2,500 tonnes of dirt started being laid this morning and everything is rolling along nicely. The 280metre track will be banked and very fast, similar to the track we built in Copenhagen.

"It's more than conceivable that the world championship could be decided on the final bend, of the final heat, of the final round of the 2003 Series. What other motorsport can boast that? No speedway fan should miss it, it's going to be a historic night."

The Viking Ship Stadium has seen many world class events most famously the 1984 Winter Olympic speed-skating championships. It takes just under a week - and a military operation - to convert this impressive stadium:

Monday 29th September - Tuesday 30th September
The first of 100 trucks transporting the 2,500 tonnes of shale arrive and the laying of the world championship track begins.

Wednesday 1st October
Revolutionary air barrier, signage, starting gate, all safety equipment etc installed . Wednesday night - 280 metre track is finished

Thursday 2nd October
Track is packed and graded in order to be ready for practice on Friday. Riders start arriving at the stadium in preparation for Saturday evening's event

Friday 3rd October
All 24 riders in the world arrive at the stadium and participate in practice.
Track is re-graded on Friday night

Saturday 4th October
Norwegian Speedway Grand Prix begins Three hours of non-stop entertainment as the final round of the 2003 Series climaxes with the crowning of the 2003 World Champion.