SGP 2004 wild cards out, venue confirmation soon.

Benfield Sports International (BSI) and the Federation Internationale de Motorcyclisme (FIM) today announced the rider line-up for the 2004 FIM Speedway Grand Prix Series (SGP) and the provisional 2004 calendar.

The following riders granted permanent Wild Cards for the 2004 season are Mark Loram, Lukas Dryml, Michael Max, Hans Andersen, Lee Richardson and Jarek Hampel.

Commenting on the announcement, John Postlethwaite, Chief Executive, Benfield Sports International, said: "After a brilliant world championship this year, which was undecided until the last five minutes of the final round, we have a highly exciting line-up for next year's Series.

"2004 will see a great representation of riders from nine different countries. Denmark leads the way with four riders but all our other major markets - Great Britain, Sweden, Australia, Poland and the Czech Republic - are all represented with three riders each.

"Mark Loram has been awarded the number 11 race jacket as he is a recent World Champion and before his serious injury at the beginning of the season had never finished outside the top ten since the GP's inception in 1995. This is why we have the permanent wild card situation, so that riders who have been injured can come back into the Series."

FIM Race Director Ole Olsen added: "It's always a difficult decision but we feel that it was a little easier this year as the riders we have picked have proved that they are more than capable of holding their own in the Grand Prix Series and are also potential World Champions. There is no doubt that with this quality field we are in for some great racing in 2004."

The provisional calendar has also been announced today and confirmation of the provisional dates and venues is expected before the end of November.

The FIM Speedway World Cup (SWC) format has changed for 2004 with a reduced number of teams (8) that will lead to much more exciting racing in the earlier rounds. The new format will consist of four events. The top eight teams in the world will race in the first two events (four teams per round) with a four team Race Off on the Thursday and four team Final on the Saturday night.