TEAM Great Britain boss Alun Rossiter believes the decision to race under a new management structure will enhance chances of success at international level.

Led by Rob Painter and Vicky Blackwell, VRX Motorsport will take over from the British Speedway Promoters Association (BSPA) to oversee the running of the national team with the aim of making Great Britain the most accomplished nation in world speedway.

While Rossiter, also manager at Swindon Robins, remains in charge of team management – including team selection - VRX will take control of the national team set-up.

Rossiter said: “The move will enhance Team GB’s chances of success in the future and will put us on a level playing field with the rest of the world.

“The BSPA were very good to me, but we only had a certain budget to work with.

“Rob and Vicki have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to setting up a professional team. They’ve been to the last few World Cups, so they know what it’s about.

“With this structure we have a better chance. But it’s not going to happen overnight.”

The move follows a funding cut for the national side after Sky TV dropped speedway from its programme in 2017.

While Team GB have reached three of the last four World Cup finals, the national side has failed to earn a medal when the final has been hosted outside of the UK.

It’s a stat that has prompted many fans to call for GB to travel abroad and compete in test matches against the likes of Poland, Sweden and Denmark – nations that have generally dominated world speedway since the World Cup was formed in 2001.

And Rossiter is keen to act on calls for test matches on foreign shale in light of the takeover.

He said: “We’ve had to deal with the loss of income from the TV because of Sky’s departure.

“Phil (Morris) and Neil (Vatcher) have done a great job with GB so far and the future is looking brighter with plenty of talent coming through the ranks.

“With this new team moving us forward it would’ve been nice to do the World Cup again this year. But I’ve got to whittle the team down to three riders for the Speedway of Nations which makes my job harder.

“It’s definitely a step forward. I’ve been speaking to Rob over Christmas, it’s all positive.”

Painter and Blackwell’s experience in speedway stretches back to working with riders including three-times World Champion Jason Crump and seven-times British Champion Scott Nicholls.

A deal was reached following months of negotiations, and Blackwell was delighted to put pen to paper.

He said: “We have put together a management team who have a lot to offer.

“From fitness and nutrition experts to PR and marketing professionals, we are confident together we can achieve something special.

“We have visited some of the biggest national bodies in the UK, including the Team GB Olympics headquarters in London. We know what is required to make our national team the best in the world.

“We are brimming with ideas and hope everyone gets behind the team as we look to re-establish Great Britain as a force in world speedway.”