CHRIS Schramm received a fierce, but friendly, rebuke from reserve partner Tobi Kroner at yesterday's press launch.Schramm, who is taking the big step up into the Elite League this season, after spending the last three seasons in the Premier League, was the last one to speak.

Mike Bacon

CHRIS Schramm received a fierce, but friendly, rebuke from reserve partner Tobi Kroner at yesterday's press launch.

Schramm, who is taking the big step up into the Elite League this season, after spending the last three seasons in the Premier League, was the last one to speak.

“It is a big step for me,” Schramm said.

“But I'm looking forward to it. I have ridden most of the Elite League tracks and hope me and Tobi (Kroner) can win heat two, home and away.”

It was at that point Kroner stepped in with a fierce: “Hope? We will win.”

Again it brought plenty of laughter, but also a smile of contentment from skipper Chris Louis, no doubt impressedby Kroner's determination - added to Johnston's earlier rally cry.

Kroner himself has been studying Sports Management and Marketing during the winter, back home in Germany.

“I'm looking to my future after speedway,” he said.

“I did well at school and don't want to just lose that while I ride speedway.”

And on the forthcoming season, Kroner added: “I feel as fit as ever, my English home is here in Ipswich. Ipswich is a place I feel very relaxed and because I relax, I enjoy my racing.”