DANISH youngster Emil Grondal is relishing the chance to step up to the top-tier of British speedway after signing on for Swindon Robins for 2017.

Swindon team manager Alun Rossiter has recruited Grondal alongside British teenager Zach Wajtknecht, taking the Robins roster up to six riders.

Grondal has spent the previous three years at Peterborough Panthers in the secondary Premier League and cannot wait to cut his teeth in the new-look SGB Premiership with the Robins.

“It’s a huge step for my career to come to the Elite League (Premiership), so I am really looking forward to stepping up,” said the 21-year-old rider.

“It is a huge step but I think it is the right step for my career, I need to prove what I can do. It’s a harder competition and that’s the level I want to race at.

“I was struggling a bit last year with some stuff, both with my racing and in my personal life, so it’s good for me to try something new.

“I have invested heavily in new equipment and mechanics, so I am very hungry for next year and am just looking forward to getting everything started.

“I have heard some really, really good things about Swindon.

"It seems like a very professional club and the track looks like it is going to suit me well.

“They are building a brand new stadium, so it really says a lot about the club.

"They are professional and going all in for it and I am just glad that Rosco gave me the opportunity to be part of his team.”

He added: "I appreciate my accountant Steve Jordan and Bjarne Pedersen's help. Without their support is wasn't possible for me to do it

Swindon will hope fellow new man Wajtknecht can carry them to success after he helped Somerset Rebels and Birmingham Brummies win the respective Premier League and National League in 2016.

The 18-year-old, who hails from Saltford in Somerset, rode at number one for Brummies in the third tier but was injured in a meeting away to Stoke Potters on July 23 and missed the remainder of the season.

“It’s really exciting. It’s something that I’ve thought about doing for a while and Swindon is a club that’s only 45 minutes away from me,” said Wajtknecht, who arrives on an average of 2.63.

“Alun has invited me there a few times to practice and I liked the track, so I’m excited that I’m going to be riding there.

“I was injured for the second half of last season.

"I snapped two of my fingers when they got caught in the back wheel.

“I had to have wires put in them and it was a pain that I missed the end of the season.

"I had to concentrate on getting the movement back but I’ve just about got it back now.”

Skipper Jason Doyle, fellow Aussie Nick Morris, Frenchman David Bellego and Brit Adam Ellis are the other riders so far confirmed.

Those deals leave team boss Rossiter with an average of 5.13 left to use as he looks to sign his final rider and complete his line-up for next year.