MARK Loram, world champion in 2000, returns to the track for the first time since April in tonight's Slovenian Grand Prix in Krsko.The Stowmarket-based rider broke his upper arm in a fall at his home track of Eastbourne, and did not finally prove his fitness until last weekend when he had a special run-out at Arlington.

By Elvin King

MARK Loram, world champion in 2000, returns to the track for the first time since April in tonight's Slovenian Grand Prix in Krsko.

The Stowmarket-based rider broke his upper arm in a fall at his home track of Eastbourne, and did not finally prove his fitness until last weekend when he had a special run-out at Arlington.

He has plenty of catching up to do in the remaining five GPs this year if he is to capture an automatic qualifying place.

However, Loram will be one of the favourites to be handed a seeded place for 2004 if he does finish outside the top ten.

"I wanted the arm to be right," said Loram. "I did not want to come back at half pace although I realise that it will take time to regain full race fitness."

His return will boost Eastbourne's hopes of reaching the Sky Sports Elite League play-offs, although Eagles promoter Jon Cook insists changes have not been finalised despite talk of Joe Screen's departure.

Cook says that club officials will watch the progress of Loram tonight before making their next move. He said: "Everyone is jumping the gun. There will be no further announcements on our team plans until next week after we have seen Mark in action."

British youngster David Howe has been called in after the withdrawal of Ronni Pedersen through injury.

It will be his second appearance in the GP circus after making his debut as a wildcard at Cardiff last month.

He said: "I'm very much up for it, it's going to be a great experience. I've had to make some late plans to travel but that's fine."

Scott Nicholls carries England's main hopes having reached the semi-final stage of the last two Grand Prix.

Tonight's line-up (in gate order)

Heat one: Sullivan, Howe P Karlsson, Santej.

Heat two: Lyons, Brhel, Wiltshire, Zagar.

Heat three: Dryml, Bajerski, Max, Loram.

Heat four: Jonsson, Protasiewicz, Richardson, Povazhny.

Seeded to heat nine: Crump,

N Pedersen, Gollob, Nicholls.

Seeded to heat ten: Rickardsson, Hancock, Holta, Adams.