Italian World Cup star Nico Covatti and up-and-coming British youngster Stefan Nielsen are the final pieces in the Ipswich Witches’ 2015 line-up.

Covatti, 26, Argentinian by birth, but who rides for Italy under an Italian licence, is hoped by the Witches management to be their trump card – Covatti finished fifth in last season’s Grand Prix Challenge, in Italy.

“Nico should see himself as a Premier League No.1,” Witches director of speedway Chris Louis said.

“Here’s a guy who has beaten the very best, in the Grand Prix Challenge and the World Cup and other international meetings.

“I’m not singling anyone out in this team.

“They all know what I expect of them and the craving I have for us to win silverware.

“My first five riders were completed quickly, but I had to wait for paperwork to get Nico and had to be patient before I could talk to him.

“I hope Stefan will continue to improve and it shows how highly thought of he is by the fact Belle Vue have drafted him in as one of their Fast-Track reserves, along with Steve Worrall.”

Covatti meanwhile added: “I was not expecting to join Ipswich and it is very exciting for me. I’m looking to have good equipment and demonstrate my ability to Ipswich fans.”

Witches 2015

Danny KING (Great Britain) 8.84

Rohan TUNGATE (Australia) 8.36

Gino MANZARES (USA) 6.02

Cameron HEEPS (Australia) 5.38

Ritchie Hawkins (Great Britian) 5.27

Stefan Nielsen (Great Britain) 4.34

Nico Covatti (Italy) 4.19