Emil Sayfutdinov is hoping his move to Ipswich Witches will help him fall in love with speedway again as he bids to lead the Foxhall club to a Premiership title. 

The Witches have produced the signing of the winter by bringing the Russian star back to Britain for the first time in more than a decade, forming a powerful top two alongside Australian Jason Doyle. 

Sayfutdinov, a former Grand Prix star, did not race at all in 2022 after Russian riders were suspended by the FIM due to the war in Ukraine, but is now looking to make up for lost time. 

“I feel happy now because it’s been a long time for me, back to 2011, so it’s great to be back to England and especially to Ipswich,” Sayfutdinov said. 

“This is a very good place for me to be and I am just excited to get started. It’s very important for me to ride again and I'm looking forward to the season. 

East Anglian Daily Times: The Ipswich Witches team for the 2023 season. Back row - Jason Doyle and Keynam Rew. Middle row - Erik Ross, Danny King and Emil Sayfutdinov. Front row - Joe Thompson and Danyon HumeThe Ipswich Witches team for the 2023 season. Back row - Jason Doyle and Keynam Rew. Middle row - Erik Ross, Danny King and Emil Sayfutdinov. Front row - Joe Thompson and Danyon Hume (Image: Steve Waller)

“I want to enjoy speedway again. After one year break I need to feel that love again and England is something different for me.  

“I want to try to enjoy the season and I can’t wait to meet the fans here. I can’t wait for that feeling to come again. 

“The first meeting will be big for me and I have full focus on it. I think it will be ok.” 

The Witches begin their season next Thursday when they host Peterborough Panthers, with Sayfutdinov excited to get to grips with the Foxhall track after seeing it for the first time today. 

“We have a very good team and I can bring a lot of experience,” he said. 

“I want us to fight for the championship and hopefully I can score some points for the team. 

“I’ve never ridden here before but I have a lot of experience with new tracks. Like at Cardiff for the Grand Prix, where it is a new track every time. Ipswich is a new shape of course but I hope it will be fine. 

"I will try and concentrate on myself, make a good start and then see. Maybe sometimes if I don’t make the start I might be able to come from the back and make a show for the fans.”