In Częstochowa they have chosen a representative of Sweden. Will he be the new star of the league?

The entire team is also working on his success – led by his manager, a former top speedway rider, Krzysztof Kasprzak. This is valuable support that pays off on and off the track.

In the interview, Filip talks about his first match in the PGE Ekstraliga, his approach to racing, his favourite tracks and why he will not settle for anything less than the title of world champion.

Michał Piotrowicz (Przegląd Sportowy Onet): Your debut in PGE Ekstraliga was great, you scored 7 points and two bonuses in four starts against the title candidate - Betard Sparta Wrocław. What was the key in your opinion? The setup, the track or the mental attitude?

Phillp Hellstroem Baengs (Krono-Plast Włókniarz Częstochowa rider): I think everything worked out. The bike was very fast – it's a new machine from Peter Johns. Everything worked perfectly. On Tuesday I also had a successful match in Sweden, which gave me a lot of confidence. I think I scored 8 or 9 points there – I don't remember exactly, but something like that. So I went to Poland with a positive attitude. The track in Częstochowa suited me very well. In my head I had the thought: "This is my first match this season – I'll show them what I'm made of". I had an extra motivation, which gave me a lot of boost. And it worked.

You had to wait a while for your chance in PGE Ekstraliga. During that wait, did you feel frustrated or lose hope?

— No, I never lost hope. I knew my chance would come – maybe in two or three months. Now it finally has, although unfortunately due to an injury to my teammate. I hope he recovers quickly. But even after his return, I hope there will be a place for me in the squad, especially after such a match in which I was one of the better players. Of course, it won't always be perfect – sometimes there can be a bad day and I only score 2-3 points. But that's speedway.

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That's right, you've seen a lot of improvement. You've also been getting better results in Sweden. How do you rate your form today compared to the beginning of the season?

— I'm definitely in better shape. At the beginning of the season I was practically just training – I didn't get many chances either in the training camp or in the matches. It was only in Sweden that I started racing regularly. My teammates had 3-4 matches under their belt, and I was still just training. Now that I can race more often, I can feel a clear difference – the more races, the better I feel on the track.

Your driving style is very offensive and spectacular. Do you have any favorite tracks?

— Yes, definitely. I love the track in Częstochowa – it's fast, technical, it suits me. I also really like Manchester – the Buelle Vue track, which is a bit smaller, but very similar to Częstochowa: smooth, round and fast.

You are considered one of the most talented young Swedish riders. You ride in a club that previously featured Andreas Jonsson and Fredrik Lindgren – big names in Swedish speedway. Were either of them your idols?

— Sure! I would like to follow in their footsteps, be the best rider in Częstochowa, or even in the world. But at the same time I have my own style. When I was younger, Tony Rickardsson and Tai Woffinden had a huge influence on me – I learned a lot from them, watching them ride.

They are great speedway riders. Do you have any specific goals for this season – individually or as a team? Your manager Krzysztof Kasprzak mentioned that he sees a future world champion in you .

— Those are nice words. But yes, my goal and dream is to become world champion. If I didn't believe in it, I would probably stop racing. That's what drives me to work and develop.

Speaking of KK, he's a new member of your team. How important is his support and how exactly does he help you?

— I'm really happy that he's in our team. He's someone who just finished his career, so he has a fresh perspective. For years he was one of the best speedway riders in the world – he has a lot of experience. He helps me with starts, he analyzes my riding, among other things. Apart from that, he's just a great, positive guy.

That's true. Do you use his equipment?

— Yes. I bought three bikes from him - they are in great condition, his brother serviced them, so they look new. Apart from that I have three new bikes from Peter Johns. You could say I have the best possible equipment in this league now. And then it's up to the rider.

In the match against Betard Sparta you proved that you are ready for the PGE Ekstraliga. The fans were delighted with your driving. Is there anything you would like to say to the fans at the end?

— Yes, I would like to thank them very much. I received a lot of messages after the match – at the stadium and on social media. It really means a lot to me. I feel their support and it only motivates me more to fight for more points for Częstochowa.