By Henry Chard

The Ipswich ‘Tru7 Group’ Witches welcome back former world number three Emil Sayfutdinov for the 2025 season.

The 35-year-old has enjoyed the last two years in Suffolk and being back in British racing.

“I have really enjoyed the last two years here and I decided to be part of the team again. Chris (Louis) has put some good teams together with some good names and we have another opportunity to give 100% and get that gold medal which is our goal.”

The former European champion says he is still gaining experience by racing on these shores and remains determined to win the top-flight title with Ipswich.

“I’m really enjoying it all around and the experience is still making me better. There is a good team atmosphere, and I was thinking about this before signing again and I want to fight again because we wanted to be champions the last two years and we haven’t achieved that yet, but we will try again to do it.”

The multiple Grand Prix winner was pleased with how his 2024 season went after some early issues but admitted it was hard taking so many rides each meeting.

“I had some problems at the beginning of the season but after that I really enjoyed the season. It was so busy because in every meeting in England I was doing six or seven heats all the time, which was hard, but I was enjoying it before the injury. Even at Sheffield it was ok, but a little mistake caused a big crash, that’s life.”

The Speedway of Nations winner suffered a shocking crash at Owlerton which forced him to miss the rest of the British season and he is looking forward to some down time in the winter.

“The injury is fine now, all good, even though the season has finished you still have meetings, awards nights, sponsorship events so I have not rested yet but soon I will be on holiday. I need that time after this injury because I haven’t had time to relax because every day you are pushing to get back quickly.”

Sayfutdinov thinks that consistent points scoring throughout the side could be the key to success to avoid riders having to take extra rides and become tired.

“The team is really strong, but everything is won out on the track. Everyone in this team can score points and that is what we need to keep feeling fresh and not tired. Everyone makes it a good atmosphere and we want to have a successful season. Hopefully a year later we finally get a gold medal.”