Wednesday 8th February 2012, 14:19

Grand Prix newcomer Peter Ljung admits he cannot expect a miraculous upturn in fortunes, despite qualifying for this year’s World Championship.

The Swedish racer was handed a spot in the competition after GP Challenge bronze medallist Piotr Protasiewicz declined his place in the SGP series.

First reserve Martin Vaculik and second stand-in Krzysztof Kasprzak didn’t take the chance to replace Pepe, meaning Ljung got the job after finishing sixth in the Challenge at Vetlanda last August.

The 29-year-old is determined to make the most of the biggest opportunity of his racing career to date.

But the grounded former Lakeside man knows adding the title ‘Grand Prix rider’ to his speedway CV will not make him a world-beater overnight.

The 2003 Speedway World Cup winner told vimmerbytidning.se: “You cannot make too big a deal out of it. I cannot expect to fly up four notches just because I'm an SGP rider.”

Ljung admits he doesn’t plan a major overhaul of his racing setup, despite the extra work and travelling involved in the 12 SGP rounds.

He added: “There is a bit more to do. At the same time, one must remember that this is only 12 rounds. So I have not really made any major changes. I'll just do what I think will be good for me.

“I've got another mechanic to cope with the SGP series and I’ve bought a bus. I will also get some help from my brother Johan.

“I’ve bought some new engines. But it is more or less the same stuff I usually buy.

"I have invested in the motors in recent years and feel I have fresh stuff anyway.”

Ljung only found out he was an SGP star in November, but he has been pleasantly surprised with how many sponsors have jumped on board to back his maiden Grand Prix campaign.

He added: “Now I have a little more in terms of sponsors, so that side of things has been much better. Considering how late I got the place, it has gone very well.”

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