Hodgson eyes world title

By Suzi Perry BBC Grandstand's World Superbikes presenter reports from Misano

Britain could have its first world champion since Carl Fogarty next season after Neil Hodgson was confirmed as the number one rider for the 2003 factory Ducati team.

The vacancy at Ducati has been created by runaway championship leader Troy Bayliss' move to MotoGP next year.

And the Italian team believe Hodgson is the man to follow in Bayliss' tyre-tracks.

Neil Hodgson has ridden to the limit this year

It is sensational news for the British rider, who will have the best package available.

He will never have a better chance to win a world championship.

Hodgson was jubilant at the news but he fully deserves his big break on the evidence of his performances this year.

Like all the other riders, his plans have been thwarted by the brilliance of Bayliss and the outstanding package the Australian has at his disposal.

Despite those handicaps, Hodgson has ridden to the limit and beyond and has shown real guts and determination.

Bayliss faces new battle

This season he has been riding last year's Ducati, which is obviously not as good as the latest model.

Bayliss' machine is about a tenth of a second faster a lap. If you add that up over race distance you end up with almost exactly the margin that separates the two.

That says a lot for Hodgson's pure riding ability when you take technology out of the equation, and it makes his showings this season more than respectable.

He has outshone the other factory Ducati riders - and that is what has won him the ride next year.

If Ben Bostrum had achieved those results he would be going in as number one.

Bayliss claims German double

Instead, he is likely to be Hodgson's number two.

If the Burnley rider takes the qualities that have served him so well into next season, the self-confidence he will gain from having the backing of the factory Ducati set-up should carry him to the title.

Hodgson's current partner, James Toseland, is expected to stay with the GSE team, with the Lancastrian's replacement yet to be confirmed.

A podium finish at Misano this weekend would be a great way for Hodgson to celebrate his good news.

That will be difficult, though, on this tight, twisting and very demanding track.

And he will have to overcome more than the nature of the circuit and the form of his leading rivals - round eight of the championship will be one of the most physically demanding too.

Misano is right on the Adriatic coast and the race will take place in scorching heat.

The riders came here direct from the last round to get used to the temperatures.

And who can handle the heat will be as decisive a factor as who can handle the track.