IT emerged that Jason Crump will be wearing the number one race jacket for Pirates this year following a behind-closed-doors practice session at Poole Stadium.

Club officials would not comment on the actual team riding order, but what the Australian was wearing on-track gave the secret away.

The reigning world champion sported the figure 1' on the top left hand side of his kevlars, while Bjarne Pedersen, who rode in that position for most of last year, was sporting the figure 3' on his.

They were the only two Poole Castle Cover riders who practised in the new 2007 team kit yesterday as wheels turned on the Wimborne Road circuit for the first time this year.

Crump and Pedersen were joined by three of their Pirates team-mates for the two-hour session - Craig Boyce, Edward Kennett and Troy Batchelor.

Jason Doyle was unable to take part because he had only just picked up some engines from London in the morning and his equipment wasn't ready.

But he and Sergey Darkin, the seventh Poole rider this year, are expected to practice at Rye House on Saturday alongside the other five Pirates.

Crump, who has re-joined the Dorset club for the first time since 1995, said: "It was a good day.

"It was a shame the track was not in great shape because of the recent rainy weather, but, nevertheless, it was good to get on it and wear the Poole race jacket again.

"Now I'm just looking forward to a few more practices next week at Scunthorpe before coming back here for press and practice day on Thursday.

"I'll spend Friday at home and the first match is at Eastbourne on the Saturday, so it will be here before we know it."

Pedersen, who captains Pirates this year, said: "It was good to get a few laps under my belt and I'm really looking forward to the start of the season.

"I've already practised at Oxford and King's Lynn with the Danish boys and at this stage of the year it is all about getting your bikes properly prepared and getting the feel for racing again.

"It's good to be back at Poole and I'm sure we'll all be ready for our trip to Eastbourne on March 17."

Ex-Pirates skipper Magnus Zetterstrom, now with Somerset, took advantage of Poole's hospitality and took part in the practice, alongside other non-Pirates Tommy Allen, Luke Bowen and Steve Boxall.