I can’t see where the comment has stated that George won’t do well this season, only that to help him settle into UK racing that the number 7 position will give him the easier rides to help him acclimatise to British Speedway.
Any rider coming into British Speedway, especially those without league racing experience, need time to adapt to the track shapes, surfaces and the effects of the great British weather. Barghy arrived in the UK at a very young age and took time to settle and Mark took a few seasons before becoming the top rider he was when his UK career ended.
George will be keen to do well and hopefully he has a good debut season but keeping the pressure off him to allow him to settle into his new surroundings is a sound strategy in my eyes.