Speedway star returns to Wolves

Speedway star Christian Hefenbrock has agreed terms to return to Wolverhampton after a season away from his parent club.

The German, who won a wildcard entry into the Grand Prix in Gelsenkirchen last October, is the fifth signing for the Monmore men and joins Freddie Lindgren, Niels Kristian Iversen, Kenneth Hansen and Nicolai Klindt in the 2008 Elite League sided.

David Howe is expected to follow shortly with talks planned with club owner Chris Van Straaten and that leaves 5.34 points available to come under the 38.85 limit.

Hefenbrock, 22, spent last season out on loan to Arena-Essex where he struggled for form and then went to Peterborough in the latter stages of the season.

He finished with an average of 3.93 from 28 matches, a poor return after the relative success of his debut season at Monmore Green in 2006.

Now the Parrys International Wolves are expecting bigger and better things.

"There can't be many riders at reserve in the Elite League who have ridden in the Grand Prix and won their debut race," said Van Straaten.

"Christian was extremely keen to return to us and at 22 he continues the theme of youth throughout the team, I'm very pleased to welcome him home.

"He will be alongside either Kenneth Hansen or Nicolai Klindt in the reserve position and the final decision on who will be made nearer the start of the season in March.

"On his day, Christian can beat some very good riders and he proved that in his first season with us.

"Sadly because of the points limit we couldn't fit him in last season and he struggled away from us but returns a more experienced rider and hopefully we will get the benefit of that.

"We realise the final team member, subject to agreement with David, is going to be a vital signing for the club and we are now looking at all available options before making a final decision."