INJURED FRICKE SIDELINED FOR REST OF SEASON

Fricke clashed with visiting Krosno rider Mateusz Szczepaniak in heat 14 of Zielona Gora’s Polish First Division play-off final decider, which saw Krosno promoted to the PGE Ekstraliga 91-89 on aggregate.

The Victorian racer was taken to hospital for checks, with partner Georgina flying from the UK to be at his bedside.

Posting on Instagram, Fricke confirmed the extent of his injuries and ruled himself out of the For Nature Solutions FIM Speedway GP of Poland – Torun this Saturday, as well as Belle Vue’s SGB Premiership play-off matches.

The FIM Speedway of Nations World Champion wrote: “Thank you everyone for your messages. I suffered a broken sternum, bruised lungs, sprained shoulder, cracked shoulder blade and concussion as a result of my crash in the meeting yesterday.

“This requires an extensive time to recover but we’ll be back to 100 percent before next season.

“I am sorry to the fans and everyone at Zielona Gora – this was not the result we wanted.

“Unfortunately I will be missing the final GP in Toruń next weekend and the play-offs for Belle Vue. But the team has my full support from the sidelines.

“Thank you everyone for your support throughout this season.”

Everyone involved in the Speedway GP series wishes Max a very speedy recovery.

His replacement in Torun is subject to confirmation by the FIM, with Poland’s Jakub Miskowiak the next substitute rider in line for a call-up.