“THERE is no ‘I’ in team.”

“THERE is no ‘I’ in team.”

That was the message from Ben Barker last night as he laid out his hopes for a successful 2013 with Ipswich Witches.

Barker, 24, became the Suffolk side’s No.1 high-profile signing last month. But at that time he couldn’t comment on the rest of the side, as it had not been announced.

However he can now.

And there is little doubt the Cornishman is looking forward to a successful season with his team-mates.

“I haven’t ridden with many of the guys in the team next year, but I know most of them,” he said.

“I’ve got a lot to learn about the Foxhall track and they can help me with that. I’m sure we will have a good season.

“The main thing is to win your home meetings and pick up a few points on your travels.”

Barker, who is driving a car transporter for a living during the winter months, admits he has endured a frustrating last few seasons at his former club Plymouth, where the Devils finished near the bottom of the Premier League table.

“I liked Plymouth, but it was hard. Ipswich is going to be very different,” he said.

“At Plymouth I could get 15, 16, 17 points and we would still lose. At one time I went about six meetings undefeated at Plymouth and we still lost some of them.

“I like to team ride. There is no ‘I’ in team. Speedway is a team sport and I’m very big on that.”

While Barker has yet to be unveiled with an Elite League club in 2013, he is sure to be riding in the EL and more than anything wants his Team GB place back.

Having been picked for the GB World Cup side two years ago, Barker was left out of the squad in 2012.

It’s something that rankles with him.

“Getting back into Team GB team is a big thing for me next year,” he said.

“Last year I was very disappointed to miss out on the World Cup.

“Next year, if they want to name three cert riders in the squad, I want to be one of those cert riders.”

Meanwhile, Ipswich reserve Adam Ellis, who was born in England but lives in France and speaks both English and French fluently, could be a key figure for the Witches next season – according to Barker.

“Adam is an exciting rider and he has an average of just three points.

“He’s the type of rider who can make your season,” Barker added.

Barker has just returned from a break in Tenerife, while Witches assets Rohan Tungate, Morten Risager, Joe Jacobs and Cameron Heeps are all riding Down Under at the moment.