Nigel Pearson: It's an exciting time of the year when the first FIM Speedway Grand Prix comes around

Tai Woffinden launches the defence of his world title in front of 55,000 fans here in Warsaw tonight.

And there’s a second British rider - King’s Lynn’s brilliant youngster Robert Lambert.

The Stadion Narodowy track was successfully installed this week and test races have already taken place.

Woffinden has won three world titles but has never gone back-to-back and this is something he is keen to add to his growing CV.

Lambert comes in for American icon Greg Hancock who, sadly, is taking a break from racing to be with his wife who is battling breast cancer.

But Lambert must focus on his opportunity - at this stage we don’t know how many Grand Prix he will feature in but, quite rightly, Hancock wants to dedicate all his time to his family right now.

Lambert has nothing to lose. It’s a big opportunity for him which will be a huge test, particularly with the vast majority of the capacity crowd backing the Polish riders.

If he has his trapping gloves on then he can be a spoiler I’m sure. The biggest aspect here, though, is his nerves and temperament - he has to be in control and able to make fast starts.

Woffinden, meanwhile, is in sizzling form ahead of the opener. He scored a maximum for his Swedish League club on Tuesday and also started the Polish League season with the lot.

He’s fitter than ever - he had a personal trainer working with him every day during his winter trip to Australia.

He’s the man to catch. It’s unfortunate for Jason Doyle and Maciej Janowski that they have taken nasty knocks in the build-up to this meeting and even if they ride I cannot believe they will be fully fit.

Bartosz Zmarzlik will be a threat to Woffinden’s crown. He pushed him hard last year and I expect more of the same.

I’ll be in the stadium on TV duty for BT Sport and around the world - join us for the first race at 7pm.

WOLVERHAMPTON continue their Premiership campaign at Ipswich on Monday - and Scott Nicholls continues in the side.

But Parrys International Wolves are facing up to decision time as Jacob Thorssell, the man he replaced, is fit again.

And Nick Morris, who has yet to make his debut after suffering a broken wrist, is set for practice this week.

Nicholls has done a terrific job and I expect him to be in the points at Ipswich.

CRADLEY are back at Monmore on Monday - and a place in the cup semi-final is on the agenda.

They face the Isle of Wight with a handy eight point lead from the first leg.

The Anchor Logistics Heathens have started well and with the backing of the fans I expect them to go through.