GREAT Britain star Tai Woffinden has back Swindon’s in-form Aussie Troy Batchelor to stake a claim for a place in the Grand Prix series this season.

Woffinden currently sits second in the World Championship standings and is spearheading Britain’s World Cup bid, while his close friend Batchelor won his national title for the first time in the winter and has already qualified for next month’s GP Challenge at Poole.

Wolves man Woffinden believes his Wroclaw teammate has what it takes to compete at international level, but is concerned he may force one of the series’ established Australians out if he does finish in the top three at Wimborne Road.

“Troy is a person I enjoy being around in general, because he is a great guy with a great personality,” he said.

“It would be great to see him in the GP, and fingers crossed he can get in because he’s a great rider who can compete with the best. I really hope he can get through the GP Challenge, but if he does it may mean Darcy (Ward) doesn’t get a wildcard if he doesn’t finish in the top eight because there are two Australians in there already.

“It’s a long old season, but we will see what happens.”

Last night Batchelor helped guide Australia to Saturday’s World Cup final.

Australia pipped a Greg Hancock-inspired USA side to the remaining spot in the final by five points.

Batchelor scored seven points while Darcy Ward was the star of the Australian side with a 13-point haul.

Australian captain Batchelor will now lead his side into Saturday’s final in Prague against Czech Republic, Poland and Denmark.