EMIL Sayfutdinov admits he will be “nervous” before a much-awaited debut for Ipswich.
The 2021 World No.3 is back in British Speedway for the first time since 2011 and is ready to hit the track on Thursday night at Foxhall Heath.
It’s been almost 18 months since Sayfutdinov last rode a competitive meeting after a 2022 suspension by the FIM on Russian riders, due to the war in Ukraine.
But he’s raring to go now and will make his Witches bow against Peterborough Panthers.
He admitted: “You always get nervous, of course. But I can’t wait, it’s my first meeting for so long. I’ve just done practice and more practice because of the 18-month break. I don’t mind feeling that stress before the meeting to be honest.
“We have had a few laps now at Ipswich and I’m ready for the first meeting.
“I want to enjoy the season, meet the fans again. I can’t wait for that feeling.”
Sayfutdinov was an instant hit with over 200 Witches fans at their Meet The Riders event last Thursday.
He also laughed off the famous fisticuffs with Ipswich legend Scott Nicholls at the 2009 British Grand Prix.
He added: “Ah, yes, that was for show!
“But, no seriously, I get on well with Scott today and he was one of the first people to text me when I joined Ipswich to say congratulations and welcome back to England. That was nice.”
It will be some opener for the Witches as they face Panthers, led by former World Champion Nicki Pedersen.
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.