Ipswich Witches sign former world number three Emil Sayfutdinov for 2023 season
Russian-Polish dual national Emil Sayfutdinov will return to British racing at Foxhall
Last updated 26th Feb 2023
Ipswich Witches have announced the signing of former world number three Emil Sayfutdinov for the 2023 season.
The 33 year old is a multiple Grand Prix winner and has previously raced in Britain with Coventry Bees.
Sayfutdinov is a Polish-Russian dual citizen racing on a Polish licence. He was forced to sit out the 2022 season after the FIM issued a ban on Russian and Belurusian riders due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking to the Witches website, Emil said: “I think there is a long process to go, I remember (Ipswich promoter Chris Louis) 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.”
“Chris was very determined to get me back and only he called us when he heard that I will be back in speedway for 2023.
"It was Chris’ idea to call us, it looks like British speedway is quite organised now and the schedule looks organised with Mondays and Thursdays which suits me really good.
"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.
“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.
"I have won team championships in most of the leagues, in Poland, Sweden and other countries a few times but never one in England, so maybe this will be the season I have a chance to win the team championship in England.”