PIRATES co-promoter Matt Ford has stressed he will not influence Grzegorz Walasek's decision one way or the other over the Pole's Grand Prix dilemma.

The 25-year-old Poole asset was a revelation in the second half of their Sky Sports Elite League campaign.

And it was his dramatic turn around in form that eventually saw runners-up Pirates push champions Oxford all the way to the title.

But Walasek was also in top form in four rounds of the World Championship GP after being called up late because of injury to other riders.

And it was that form on the highest world stage that has earned him a GP nomination for the 10-round 2002 series.

The Pole has stressed he was not expecting to be nominated a place in next year's GP and added it was a big commitment.

But he is determined to take his time over the biggest decision of his career so far, whether to ride in the GP or pull out and concentrate on league racing.

Ford, a big admirer of Walasek, said: ""He is very at home at Poole and I believe has one of the biggest decisions of the winter to make, whether to pursue international fame or stay within the British League.

"Only Greg can make that decision. I can't advise Greg either way because people know my feelings and that I would very much like to have him back in 2002.

"I just hope whatever decision he makes will be the right one for him and I am sure it will be."

Pirates are due to reveal the name of their third signing for the 2002 campaign next week.

Bjarne Pedersen is a confirmed starter while Tony Rickardsson has only to sign his contract which has been verbally agreed.

Former Pirate Jason Crump has signed for King's Lynn.

Mark Loram had been expected to go to Kirky Lane, but when Crump became available Aces boss John Perrin moved quickly to snap up the Australian on loan.