SWINDON Robins team manager Alun Rossiter believes David Bellego can get even better after tying down the Frenchman for another year in 2018.

Bellego made the step up to the SGB Premiership for the first time during the 2017 season and instantly looked at home in the top tier, claiming 49 heat wins from 124 rides as Swindon finished the regular programme at the top of the table.

The Frenchman then took the chequered flag five further times during four play-off fixtures as Swindon claimed a stunning Grand Final triumph over Wolverhampton Wolves to be crowned champions for the first time since 2012.

Bellego’s instant impact at the Abbey Stadium prompted Rossiter to tie him down as a club asset midway through the campaign and the Robins boss says there was never any doubt about whether or not to bring the 24-year-old back into the main roster next season.

“I am very pleased that David is going to be back in the team again next year,” said Rossiter.

“He had a good year for us this year and opened a lot of people eyes. He’s someone we rate highly, that’s why signed him up as an asset, and he is a joy to work with too.

“He made the step up to the Premiership from the Championship really well and his competitive racing got better and better.

“While he kicked on extremely well this season, I can’t see why he can’t kick on again now.

“He needs to push towards one of those heat leader spots now, that’s got to be his goal. He needs to be pushing on to be at the forefront in the harder races.

“But it’s not just David, with the team we are trying to put together for next year, we hope all of the riders are all going to be doing that.”

Bellego was particularly impressive on home shale and won almost exactly half of his races at the Abbey Stadium across the Premiership regular season and the play-offs – triumphing 35 times in 71 heats, a figure only bettered by outgoing number one Jason Doyle.

Rossiter added: “David is a good racer on most tracks. He was really good at home and his away form was solid as well.

“He was outstanding all season at the Abbey and the only time it went a bit wrong for him was when he had a few engine problems. Once he got that sorted, he was back to normal then and he had a brilliant year.”