SCUNTHORPE Scorpions star Viktor Bergstrom is delaying his return to England for the start of the new speedway season because of the wintry weather.

The 23-year-old Swede, who missed the end of last season through injury, has been recovering back home so he is ready for the 2010 campaign.

That starts for the Scorpions three weeks on Friday when they entertain old rivals Sheffield Tigers in their first meeting in the Premier Trophy.

"I hope the weather improves, I really, really do," said promoter Rob Godfrey.

"We have lost so many of our winter practices this year because of frost on the track.

"But everybody is in the same position – and it's not just this country that is suffering either.

"I have been talking to Viktor and they have had a metre of snow where he lives in Sweden so he has not been able to get much practice over there either."

Bergstrom has not ridden since being stretchered off with arm and wrist injuries after a heavy fall in the home meeting against King's Lynn at the end of August.

"Viktor is the one who really needs the practice," said Godfrey.

"He was due to come over to England next week but I have told him to delay it for another week because the way the weather is at the moment, he would be wasting his time."

The Scorpions are due to have an official press and practice day at the Eddie Wright Raceway on March 16.