Name change sees Karlsson take it to the Max.

Sweden's Mikael Karlsson has changed his surname as he prepares for a fresh start in life, but promises that it will make little difference to his riding as he chases an elusive grand prix crown.

The Wolverhampton rider and regular grand prix series star will now be known as Mikael Max, after adopting his mother's maiden name. As well as giving him a dynamic moniker, the title should prove to be a hit with speedway writers around the world, but Karlsson says that those reasons were not in his mind when he took the decision.

"It's nothing strange at all to me and I really like the name," he said, "It's a very special name here in Sweden and I think it will work better internationally for me."