Sunday 2nd September 2012, 10:00

Slovak star Martin Vaculik hopes his Millennium Stadium debut will stand him in good stead for his SGP future.

The Tarnow and Vetlanda man missed out on the FIM Fogo British SGP semis on countback after scoring seven in Cardiff on August 25.

Vaculik had never raced in front of 38,000 people and it was his first appearance under the Millennium Stadium roof, where the roar of the crowd makes for a tense and electrifying atmosphere.

While the 22-year-old was disappointed he couldn’t reach the last eight, this year’s World Championship first reserve was delighted to get another big learning experience under his belt.

And he hopes his first taste of Cardiff will benefit him as he bids to become a full-time SGP star and earn a place in next year’s event in the Welsh capital on June 1.

Vaculik, who will take the injured Kenneth Bjerre’s place in the remaining three rounds this term, said: “I didn’t know the track because there were a lot of lines and ways you could go. Cardiff was a big school for me, but seven points is not bad. It’s not the best, but it’s not bad.

“It was my first time in Cardiff. The fans there are something absolutely different. It was an amazing atmosphere and I loved it. I’m so sorry that I was not in the semi-final and couldn’t have more races.

“I had a little problem with gating from yellow and later I made some mistakes on the track.

“But I’m learning everything this year and I will profit from that in the future. After last weekend I will be a little smarter about these tracks and the setup. I can’t wait for the future when I’m in the GP next year or another year.”

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