MATT Ford believes Christian Hefenbrock could hold the key to Pirates’ 2011 Elite League title quest.

Ford yesterday confirmed Somerset star Hefenbrock would line up at reserve for Poole Castle Cover this season, doubling up alongside Poole-born starlet Kyle Newman.

The 25-year-old German’s place in Ford’s one-to-seven was announced alongside confirmation that Pole Rafal Dobrucki would also feature for Pirates this term.

Hefenbrock comes in on a starting average of 3.23, with former Oxford rider Dobrucki on 5.46.

Ford said: “You have to say that Christian is a real steal on that figure and I see him as being a very influential reserve. He will share a doubling up berth with Kyle and we will look at operating the duo on a ‘where best’ basis.

“I would expect, and I have explained my reasoning to both Kyle and his father Keith, that Christian will do the lion’s share of the meetings, as we look to develop Kyle slowly with the view that he will take over the senior role in a year’s time.”

Ford now has just one place in his 2011 line-up to fill, with Russian Renat Gafurov favourite to fill the remaining berth subject to him being granted a work permit.

Ford added: “I am still hopeful that Renat will be granted the necessary paper work to be able to take his place with us for the season, but as I have alluded to previously, this is a drawn out procedure and we just need to be patient.”

Meanwhile, former Bournemouth rider Danny Warwick will act as Dobrucki’s mechanic.

Ford said: “I have been a long-time admirer of Rafal’s ability and I really believe that he will come in and settle quickly with us.”