POLISH star Maciej Janowski is adamant that a healthy team spirit can spur Pirates on to further silverware in 2014.

In just under a fortnight, Poole will begin their quest for a third Elite League title in four seasons and Janowski feels that close ties within the septet will aid that championship drive.

He told the Daily Echo: “I've known Shamek Pawlicki for years and he's a really good friend, so it will be nice to have someone to travel with at 6am from Poland.

“But a lot of the people in this team are good friends of mine, so I think this year will be good fun.

“I always try to have a joke with my friends and they try to do the same with me. It is very important that we all get on together because you must feel good in your team.

“At Poole we have fun together and feel good together and this will help us during the season.”

Janowski believes that being a part of the Pirates team that won the Elite League in 2013 only increased his appetite for success.

And the 22-year-old heat leader has underlined the importance of Poole's riders putting last year's triumph out of their minds if they are to secure glory once more.

He said: “I think everyone was excited about this season having won the league last time.

“We have a young team and everyone wants to win. We will forget about last year because we must focus on this year now.”