Pedersen given go-ahead for Danish Grand Prix

After being controversially excluded from the Final of the Swedish Grand Prix, reigning world champions Nicki Pedersen of Denmark will be a relieved man after getting the go-ahead to take-to-the-track in Saturday's Danish Grand Prix in Copenhagen.

It will also be a huge boost to his army of home fans who will be desperate for Nicki to get his world championship challenge back on track. He currently sits 18 points adrift of series leader Jason Crump, back in 4th place in the standings.

Pedersen hasn't ridden since breaking a finger during the Swedish Grand Prix. And while tests with his physiotherapist Lisa Thomey have shown that the left hand is still not fully recovered - Pedersen says he is OK to ride.

"I am very pleased that tests have shown that my hand will be able to cope with a GP. There can still be complications, and if at practice on Friday my hand is not ready, I will not race.

"However, I am very confident I will race. After all, it is not the first time that I, or other speedway riders, have raced with an injury. In speedway you are able to race despite the fact your body does not function optimally. Lisa's other tests have shown I am probably in the best physical shape ever, which has helped my quick recovery."

Series leader Crump is in superb form at the moment, the best since he won the second of his world titles back in 2006. And the track at the Parken Arena is one that he traditionally goes well on. "It's generally been the best track out of the indoor ones. I've been able to win there a couple of times in the past. I was able to kick start my season there last year after the first few GP's weren't too good, so it's always one that I look forward too."

"I'm very happy with the position that I'm in, it's nice to be leading, nice to be wearing the yellow jacket. Hopefully this one will be a good one for me as well so I can build up a few more points on the rivals."

The surprise package of the season has been the outrageously talented Russian teenager, Emil Sayfutdinov, who will go to Copenhagen looking for his third win in four Grand Prix starts. He is currently six points behind Crump in second place.