Speedway: FIM insists on block tyres

Speedway's world governing body has demanded riders in this year's World Team Cup use the controversial new solid-block tyres, despite continued fears over their safety.

The FIM has told national authorities to ensure any rider selected for the three-man teams is prepared to accept the new tyres, following problems in June when 13 riders refused to race with the tyres at the overseas final in Coventry. None of the riders, who face fines of up to pounds 3,000 each, can ride in the World Championships and FIM international meetings until they have settled their fines.

Anthony Ruberecht, the general secretary of the FIM track commission, said: "We will be asking individual federations to make sure they nominate riders who are willing to ride on the new tyre. They have to be careful who they nominate. We cannot afford to have riders hijacking the organisers of the competition."

The next round of qualifying is in Poland on 25 August.