SAYFUTDINOV EYES PREMIERSHIP CROWN AS HE MAKES UK RETURN WITH IPSWICH

Former world No.3 Emil Sayfutdinov set his sights a first SGB Premiership title as he makes a British racing comeback with Ipswich.

The three-time FIM Speedway of Nations world champion missed the entire 2022 season after his Russian licence was suspended by the FIM due to the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

But Polish citizen Sayfutdinov, who lives in Bydgoszcz, has now switched to a Polish licence and has been given the green light to race in the PGE Ekstraliga for Torun too.

He hasn’t raced in the UK since spending a brief spell with Coventry in 2011. But after a long stint out of the saddle, a busy British schedule could play a key role in getting him back up to speed.

However, Sayfutdinov isn’t coming to the UK simply for some extra track time.

He said: “I have won team championships in most of the leagues, in Poland, Sweden and other countries a few times but never one in England. Maybe this will be the season I have a chance to win a championship in England.”

The deal remains subject to confirmation from British Speedway Promoters Ltd, and he will need a UK visa. But Sayfutdinov is hopeful these obstacles will be overcome as Witches boss Chris Louis works hard to conclude a deal that has been months in the making.

Sayfutdinov said: “I think there is a long process to go. I remember Chris calling in November asking about the possibility. We didn’t answer straight away and thought about it for a few days, but then we called Chris to ask how the situation looked and all the problems he could face.

“He said he thought he could fix that and then the door was open to be back in England. Chris has been working very hard to get everything done with the BSPL and the ACU, so it looks like everything is coming together and that I will come to Ipswich for press and practice.”

Sayfutdinov admits the UK meetings fit nicely into his schedule alongside his Polish commitments.

He said: “The schedule looks organised with Mondays and Thursdays, which suits me really well. I will only race in Poland, so that will only be Fridays and Sundays. It doesn’t look like I will compete in any other meetings in Poland, so if I have the chance to be on the bike more often, I will do it.

“After one year without racing, I want to be back more often on the bike and more meetings will make me sharper for Poland and England.”