DUDEK KEEPS EKSTRALIGA OPTIONS OPEN

Polish racer Patryk Dudek insists he won’t rule out extending his Torun stay or rejoining Zielona Gora for 2023.

The returning FIM Speedway Grand Prix ace completed a blockbuster switch to Torun’s Marian Rose Motoarena, changing Polish clubs for the first time in his career following Zielona Gora’s relegation to the First Division.

Opting to continue his top-flight career, Dudek signed for Torun, where joins Speedway GP rivals Emil Sayfutdinov, Robert Lambert, Pawel Przedpelski and first reserve Jack Holder.

There has been a lot of speculation that Dudek’s Torun deal could only be a short-term arrangement if Zielona Gora stormed to PGE Ekstraliga promotion this season.

But the Bydgoszcz-born racer admits he cannot guarantee a return to Falubaz as he keeps his options for next season open.

He told Przeglad Sportowy: “I have never officially said anywhere that I am returning to Zielona Gora after one season. I don’t really know what will happen in November this year.

“I don’t say no, I don’t say that. I know that the team from Torun will not want to let me leave the club so lightly. I am excited to change colours and if I feel good here, I don’t know if I will come back to Falubaz.”

Dudek admits the question of a possible Zielona Gora return is unlikely to go away. He added: “I will probably have to explain it all year until the end of the transfer period in November and then the topic will be closed!

“I do not officially confirm that I will return to Zielona Gora 100 percent. The season will show what will happen and then I will start talking to the teams.”

While Dudek opted to seek pastures new, Falubaz boosted their promotion hopes by retaining Aussie champion Max Fricke – the only Speedway GP star competing in this season’s Polish First Division.