Jonsson sticks with Coventry Bees.

Andreas Jonsson has become the latest rider to agree terms with Coventry Bees - making it four down, three to go for boss Colin Pratt.

Jonsson, who first signed for the Bees at the back end of the 1998 campaign, will be starting his fourth full season with the club, having sat out the British League in 2000.

He joins Stuart Robson, Lee Richardson and skipper Billy Hamill as confirmed signings for 2003, and both Billy Janniro and Ryan Fisher are expected to follow suit in the near future.

Jonsson said: "I am more excited about coming back to England than ever before and there was never any doubt I wouldn't be back with Coventry.

"Moving to another club never even entered my thoughts. The last few years have gone really well for me in England and with less meetings in the Elite League this year, I feel it is even better. I was trying to cut down on a few meetings, and it is good that it has been done for me.

"The team looks strong again with six of last season's side expected to be in the line-up again. We had some bad luck last year, and if we can steer clear of injuries this time, I feel we can again be up there chasing the Elite League title."

Thieves meanwhile have stolen up to ?2,000 worth of gear from Stuart Robson's van in New Zealand.

Robson, who has notched up a string of rostrum places in the Red Baron series down under, had his boots, a brand new set of clutch plates and a specialist back protector stolen in Auckland. He also lost a new pair of ?800 knee braces tailor-made in the US.

Robson said: "I am gutted to have lost such a lot of expensive gear, and will have to borrow bits and bobs for my next four meetings here. I have had a great run in New Zealand though, despite this, and hopefully it will stand me in good stead for the new season at Brandon."