Mark Loram, who rides for Poole Pirates, was crowned World Speedway Champion at the Grand Prix of Europe.

Loram has not won a race all season but his consistent scoring meant he was virtually untouchable leading into the Poland race.

Afterwards Loram said: "I always kept my belief. I didn't let the pressure get to me too much and I'm just pleased it's over.

"I know the pressure was on and I was struggling at one stage, but I'm glad I didn't give up hope."

Loram because the first Briton since Gary Havelock won the world title in 1992.

American Billy Hamill won the Poland Grand Prix, his second win of the season, and this was enough to ensure runner-up position in the overall championship.

He just pipped Tony Rickardsson on the night and it meant the Swede, the world champion for the last two years, had to settle for third in this year's championship.

The championship is decided over six meetings.

Twenty-four riders take part and the race format is based on the 'knock-out' system, with the overall winner decided by the 24th heat.

Although Loram did not win a race all season, he scored consistently high and led the championship standings going into the final clash with 88 points, 12 clear of Rikardsson.

Loram also finished second in the Czech Republic and Sweden, third in the British Grand Prix in Coventry and fourth in Poland and Denmark.