Robert Lambert completed one of speedway’s most striking comebacks to become Britain’s ninth World Speedway Champion. The 28-year-old finished on 162 points, two clear of Bartosz Zmarzlik. The achievement carries extra significance because the Polish rider had won the championship in each of the previous four seasons.

Lambert’s campaign did not point naturally towards the title. After the fourth round in Manchester, he was 23 points off the lead and down in tenth place. The momentum changed in round nine in Denmark. He began that round with a 10-point deficit, then finished it at the top of the standings by a single point. Lambert described the final five or six rounds as the period when he became almost unbeatable, saying that he found the confidence and rhythm that had previously been missing.

The Briton had already demonstrated his potential with a silver medal in the 2024 Grand Prix. The following season was more difficult, ending with seventh place and 82 points. His target at the start of this campaign was therefore deliberately restrained: secure a place for the next season. Once that objective was achieved midway through the year, he moved on to a medal, regardless of its colour, before finding himself in the title battle.

A title settled at the final turn

The championship remained alive until the last turn. Lambert knew that a finish behind him for Zmarzlik would have sent the riders into a run-off to decide the champion. When he saw his rival in third place, however, he understood that the job was done. Lambert described the moment as something he had never experienced before, saying that his heart was singing.

The previous British winner was Tai Woffinden, a three-time world champion who later retired from the sport after a series of injuries. Lambert’s success comes during a difficult period for speedway in Britain. Since 2000, the country has lost nine tracks and 10 teams, which helps explain why Lambert sees this title as more than a personal milestone. He believes it can give the sport the wider attention it deserves.

Lambert also wants the result to encourage children who are considering a future in racing. He points to the limited opportunities for young riders and the shortage of available tracks, while expressing a wish to help create venues for track days and support the next generation. In his view, bringing more children into speedway would also strengthen Team GB in the long term.

The season is still running

Lambert comes from East Anglia and began riding at the Adrian Flux Arena in Kings Lynn. He grew up watching Grand Prix competitors, with Nikki Pedersen and Darcy Ward among the riders he admired. His route to the top now gives him the chance to become an example for the young riders he hopes to see coming through.

There is still another target on the immediate horizon. Lambert is expected to challenge for another medal in the Polish Championship final this Sunday, while his KS Toruń team carries a 20-point advantage into the event. After the final, he plans to take a week or two away before turning to the next season. Winning the world title once is not his stated endpoint; Lambert wants to keep the right mindset and return focused on achieving more.