SWEDE Simon Gustafsson will be hoping his new engine will get a full workout this evening after briefly breaking it in during Monday’s aborted meeting with Birmingham.

The former Eastbourne man had been suffering machine issues before receiving a freshly tuned engine before Monday’s clash with the Brummies, but looked impressive during his first ride on his new motor as he led reserve Steve Worrall round for a maximum.

However, the heavens opened before the start of his second outing, causing the Swede to ease off a little, but he’s hoping to get at least four good heats out of it this evening at Coventry after last night’s meeting with Lakeside was called off yesterday morning.

“The new engine felt really good and Steve and I got a 5-1 in our first race, which was great, and I felt really good on it,” he said.

“By my next race the rain was pouring down and there wasn’t an awful lot we could do about it, it’s a long season and I would rather have settled for second place than push too hard and have a crash.

“The engine only did one race in the dry on a good track but it felt really good and fast and felt good in the pits beforehand too. I was more confident and knew I had something under me which meant I could be there with the boys in the first turn and do something about it.

“I’m really looking forward to riding it again and hopefully the weather will allow us to get a whole meeting in this time.

“If we start the same as we did against Birmingham then I’m sure we’ll win.”

Gustafsson was full of praise for reserve partner Worrall and believes he’s only going to get better and better as the season goes on.

“Steve is a good rider and he’s young, so you have to help him a bit and do what you can to look after him, but he looked really good out there,” said Gustafsson.

“That will be good for his confidence and maybe he can help me out next time.”