UPHILL STRUGGLE

UPHILL STRUGGLE

Saturday 8th September 2012, 11:33

British star Chris Harris admits a recent surge in form from Antonio Lindback and Hans Andersen has given him an even higher mountain to climb into the top eight.

Bomber goes into the FIM Scandinavian SGP laying 11th in the World Championship on 52 points – leaving him 24 short of Andreas Jonsson in eighth, who occupies the final automatic qualification berth for the 2013 series.

Antonio Lindback in ninth is just two behind AJ after winning in Terenzano and finishing third in Cardiff last month, while Hans Andersen in 10th spot scored a season-best 10 points at the Millennium Stadium on August 25.

Harris knows a purple patch of form could still carry him into the top eight, but he accepts it’s a tall order as he seeks to extend his six-year stay in the SGP series.

"I’m not out of it, but it’s still tough. The riders above me are going really well, which doesn’t help."

- Chris Harris

He said: “I’m not out of it, but it’s still tough. The riders above me are going really well, which doesn’t help. I’ve always said that I still want to be in the Grand Prix – I still think I’m the man to represent Great Britain.”

Harris hopes Malilla, one of the sport’s greatest race tracks, will suit him nicely as he bids to deliver the goods tonight.

“I don’t mind it here,” he said. “It’s a nice, racer’s track. Hopefully there will be a bit of dirt on there. It’s normally prepared well.

“It’s always entertaining here. Hopefully I can have a big weekend and score lots of points.”

Harris’ diary is somewhat quiet as the end of the season draws closer. His opportunities with Polish club Czestochowa have been limited and they missed out on the play-offs.

Vastervik exited the Swedish Elitserien play-offs at the quarter final stages on Tuesday, while Coventry are set to fall short of the top four in the British Elite League.

So Harris hopes to fill his diary with guest bookings. He scored nine paid 10 for King’s Lynn on Wednesday, before bagging 10 paid 11 for Peterborough on Thursday.

He admits these extra meetings play a vital role in keeping him sharp for the remaining SGP events in Malilla, Vojens and Torun.

Harris said: “I’ve had a few guest bookings and it’s always nice to stay on the bike. You have to stay sharp for the big meetings like the Grand Prix.

“Doing meetings keeps my reactions quick, not that they were very good on Wednesday and Thursday. I’m saving them for tonight.”

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