SUSPENDED Poole Pirates talisman Darcy Ward has tonight revealed that he expects the hearing over his failed alcohol test to be put back to January.

Ward, 22, received an indefinite suspension from the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) – world speedway’s governing body – having failed the breath test prior to the Latvian Grand Prix in August.

Poole learned they would be without their Aussie ace for the remainder of the 2014 campaign less than 24 hours prior to the Elite League’s team declaration deadline, with promoter Matt Ford forced to plug the gap with guests.

And Ward tonight confirmed at Poole's annual awards ceremony that he faces an even lengthier wait to learn his fate before thanking his team-mates for securing the Elite League title in his absence.

The latest set of guidelines published by the FIM state that the punishment may range from a reprimand to a two-year ban.