Star Hefenbrock off to Essex

The 21-year-old, squeezed out at Monmore by the limit on total team strengths, will spend a season at Purfleet where his paid 16 score last season stunned home fans and helped Wolves to a surprise victory.

Hefenbrock was delighted to find another berth in England - but doesn't want to be forgotten by his parent outfit.

"I am happy to have a club," said the German rider."I was concerned about not racing in England. So that's good.

"I heard Oxford were interested but I had already signed."

The Hammers' 2006 campaign was sunk by an extraordinary series of injuries which saw them finish bottom of the Elite League.

But under new promotional duo Stuart Douglas and Jon Cook they have rebuilt with a promising young side.

"There is a new promoter and a new manager," said Hefenbrock.

"Everything sounds really new and exciting. I'm sure we won't get last in the league!"

While welcoming the new challenge, he is still looking forward to riding again for Wolves promoter Chris Van Straaten in the future.

"Chris has said he is certain it's not the last time I ride for Wolverhampton," said Hefenbrock, who impressed in his debut British season last year.

"I had a really good year in Wolverhampton. People were really, really friendly and helped me a lot. The atmosphere was really good as well.

"Nobody says anything wrong about the club. They've been doing it for 20 years, they know what they do!"

Douglas was pleased to get his man, saying: "We were extremely impressed with Christian's performance at Arena last season.

"Anyone who can score paid 16 points around our track has got to be a rider we would be very interested in bringing to the Hammers.

"We are delighted that we have been able to come to an agreement with Chris Van Straaten for Christian to join us this season."

Hefenbrock retains hopes of being nominated as the Grand Prix wildcard for this year's reinstated German round, should it go ahead.