Radosław Zieliński (SEC): The first season of SEC in Eurosport is behind us. What is your opinion about the decision of showing speedway in television which is broadcasted all over the World?
Radosław Jaworski: At this moment our impressions are only positive because, as we thought, the whole tournament had very big audience in Polish Eurosport. However, what was most surprising, speedway was watched almost all over the world. In such case our impressions can be only positive. We are aware of the fact that this project has a big potential. I mean here development of this particular sport discipline.
R. Z.: Let’s start from the very beginning. How did it happen that speedway came to Eurosport? Was it difficult decision?
R. J.: From the point of view of Polish Eurosport it wasn’t difficult decision because we were aware of the popularity of speedway in Poland. What is also important we knew how popular it is in Scandinavia and Russia. According to it we knew that this project must be successful. However it was very important issue to convince our colleagues in Paris because for them it was something new, I would say even something exotic.
R. Z.: Was the management in Paris afraid of showing something new which hadn’t been presented in the past? In such cases it is easy to overestimate your power.
R. J.: It wasn’t so bad because they are very open – minded people. Our aim is to show every sport and present all the emotions connected with it. For them it was a new experience. Now it can be said that they are delighted by the level of realization, production and thanks to it opened for another speedway products.
R. Z.: If so one question comes to my mind. Will Eurosport show SEC in another years?
R. J.: Yes, definitely. We have the deal with One Sport which is up to date for two years. We are going to fulfill it.
R. Z.: What was the most surprising for you as far as speedway or transmissions are concerned?
R. J.: I am surprised by the potential which is present in Germany. It is know that this country has traditions connected with motor sports but speedway is not typical there. However I was really surprised by the number of viewers in Germany.
R. Z.: Which tournament did you like the most?
R. J.: As far as production and atmosphere are concerned it was Togliatti. Stadium was filled with fans and that was impressive. Yes, that was really best tournament.
R. Z.: Before SEC started we could see unofficial World Pair Championships in Torun. Was it some kind of test before signing the deal for SEC?
R. J.: No, it was additional event which we decided to show according to our deal with One Sport. Although it can be said that it was kind of the last test before the SEC. Apart from that it was also a great event and we learnt a lot. Surely it was great experience before SEC.
R. Z.: Is station satisfied with the number of viewers of particular tournaments?
R. J.: At this moment I can say we are satisfied with the number of viewers. It also has to be pointed that speedway hadn’t been presented in Eurosport earlier. Every tournament had really good results but I think they can be even better.
R. Z.: It is known that everybody wants to develop the transmissions. Can you say if there will be some new things seen while watching SEC?
R. J.: I can say nothing at this subject at this moment.
R. Z.: What can you say about a tournament in Rzeszow? Were you very surprised by the victory of Martin Vaculik? Before the tournament Nicki Pedersen seemed to be only possible winner.
R. J.: I think that the victory of Vaculik took us all by a surprise. However we have to remember that in this tournament didn’t start riders who had a chance for the title like Tomasz Gollob or Tai Wiffinden. Last year there were a lot of injuries – Andreas Jonsson had been eliminated from the tournaments before we even started. It is real surprise that Vaculik managed to outstrip Pedersen although he deserved for it.
R. Z.: What can you say about the cooperation between One Sport and Eurosport?
R. J.: We are very pleased with it. One sport are really well organized people, professionals.
R. Z.: Which rider impressed you the most?
R. J.: I am a fan of Emil Sajfutdinow so my choice is easy. He is very friendly and spontaneous guy and a great rider at the same time.
R. Z.: What is your best memory from this year SEC?
R. J.: I think that the tournament in Togliatti which was technical masterpiece. This made that even somebody who is not interested in speedway saw very interesting frames, very good realization and tournament of the best quality.
R. Z.: Do think that SEC is needed to make speedway more popular?
R. J.: European Championships are present for a long time but the new formula made that there is a big interest in it. This tournament is prestigious again and very good mark worldwide because it is shown many countries in the world. I think that it is very good promotion for this discipline. Lately I’ve even heard that there are people in Spain who are interested in developing speedway.
R. Z.: There are still two free wild cards for next year SEC. If you were responsible for the choice who would you point?
R. J.: I think that I’ll leave this issue for my colleagues from One Sport who are more competent. I’ sure they’ll make a good decision.
R. Z.: Can we say that the new formula of Speedway European Championships is accepted by the people?
R. J.: I think that we are at the point of doing it. First steps are behind us although some people didn’t believe it is possible but we made a great job.
R. Z: Thanks for the interview.
