PIRATES star Davey Watt believes racing with world champion Nicki Pedersen at Eastbourne has helped him reach the next level.

The 30-year-old left Poole in 2004, after struggling in a reserve berth at the start to the season.

But the Australian returns to Wimborne Road as one of the Dorset side's heat leaders, after developing impressively since moving to Arlington that year.

Watt, who also raced for Oxford in 2006, was second only to Danish giant Pedersen in the Eagles averages last term.

The Upton-based man claims he developed a strong bond with his former team-mate, who he also raced with at Polish team Rzeszow.

And he is determined to take the knowledge he gained from the champ and pass it on to his Pirates colleagues.

He said: "I have spent a lot of time learning from some of the best riders in the world and it has helped me no end.

"Nicki Pedersen is one of the best ever and I have spent quite a lot of time with him.

"As a result, we have actually become good friends.

"It was some good time spent with him at Eastbourne but I'm more than happy to be back at Poole.

"Last time I was here, I tried to look up to the top guys like Tony Rickardsson and Leigh Adams and learn from them.

"But now I'm the one who will be doing a little bit of the teaching."

Having been educated by the best, Watt is ready to become the best and is eying a world championship spot in the future.

Despite already being older than many GP debutants, the Aussie is determined not to make the mistake of chasing a place before he is ready.

And Watt claims his eyes are still firmly on his league racing for now.

He added: "I'd love to go for the GPs but at the moment, I'm concentrating on my league riding.

"It's something I would definitely look to pursue in the future but at the moment, I'm happy doing what I'm doing.

"I think you need to be very comfortable and very secure before you start pushing yourself in those kinds of meeting."

Watt added: "Jason Crump and Leigh Adams are classic examples of what you need to be, if you want to be a GP rider.

"They're absolutely perfect professionals and are very good on the bike day in, day out.

"They are also very good off the bike and have well managed teams.

"These guys are really successful all round and that's what you need to be in the GP."