Legendary Polish coach Marek Cieslak is backing Ukrainian sensation Nazar Parnitskyi to star in his Speedway GP debut season.
Parnitskyi was initially named as SGP first substitute for 2026, but received a promotion into the starting line-up after triple world champion Tai Woffinden withdrew due to his ongoing injury battles.
The Leszno and Dackarna rider has already shown his class in SGP2 – the FIM Speedway Under-21 World Championship – winning silver in 2024 and gold last year. He also fired Ukraine to 2026 FIM Speedway World Cup qualification at the FIM Speedway of Nations in Torun last October and helped Leszno win the Metalkas 2. Ekstraliga title to secure PGE Ekstraliga promotion.
Cieslak believes Parnitskyi will be a breath of fresh air in the senior World Championship this year.
He told Przeglad Sportowy: “He's a good starter, and that brings a lot in the Grand Prix. He is also a composed rider, and I think he can give his rivals a run for their money.
“There's been so much talk about the Grand Prix needing freshness, so we have a freshness like we haven't had in a long time. He certainly won't be embarrassing. I think everyone watching the Grand Prix will be keeping a close eye on him, because it has been a long time since there's been such a fresh and young rider in the elite.
“I'm convinced that everyone in Poland will be rooting for him and celebrating his potential successes, and in Leszno, where he's treated as their own speedway rider, they’ll be absolutely thrilled.”