Wednesday 12th September 2012, 10:24

Swedish racer Freddie Lindgren believes he is “pretty safe in the top eight” as he targets automatic World Championship qualification for the first time in his career.

The Orebro-born man exited the FIM Scandinavian SGP at the semi-final stages with 11 points on Saturday. This puts him seventh in the standings on 100 and 23 clear of Andreas Jonsson in ninth.

Barring a major mishap or dramatic loss of form, Lindgren is firmly on course to achieve his first top-eight finish since taking his place in the SGP field in 2008.

Despite compatriot Antonio Lindback in eighth reaching his third straight final, Lindgren is determined to defend his position and get the lowest number possible on his back for 2013.

He said: “I think I was pretty safe in the top eight anyway. People have been talking about AJ, Lindback and me, but it was more AJ and Lindback who were close. I was a few points up.

“Lindback had a great night, but he didn’t take that many points on me so I feel pretty safe in the top eight. I want to go higher, so it was a shame Gollob had a great one.”

Lindgren was quick to pay tribute to Lindback, who has been on a major roll since winning the FIM Fogo Italian SGP at Terenzano on August 11. The Rio Rocket followed that triumph up with bronze medals in Cardiff and Malilla.

Fast Freddie has been taken aback by his upsurge in form. He said: “He’s in probably the best form he has ever been in. I don’t know what happened to him after Terenzano, but he has been showing some speed everywhere he has been in the leagues as well.

“He’s riding a wave, but I can only do my own thing. It was a shame I couldn’t be in the final in Malilla, but I’ll be ready again for the next one in Vojens.”

Both Lindback and Lindgren know their way around Vojens. They both qualified for the 2011 SGP series via the GP Challenge there in 2010 and Lindgren was third in last year’s FIM Dansk Metal Nordic SGP.

“I like it at Vojens,” Lindgren said. “It’s a pretty special track, but I’ve done really well there in the past. I’m ready, my bikes are going well and I feel pretty good with my own form. There are two rounds to go and I’m going to give it all I’ve got.”

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