Hodgson and GSE go WSBK.

Double Y2K race winner Neil Hodgson will finally get his chance to return to the World Superbike series on a permanent basis, after the GSE Ducati team announced that it would graduate next season.

The news will quieten speculation that the British rider may be heading for a seat with another team in either the WSBK or MotoGP championships, after it was revealed that Hodgson, currently lying second in the British Superbike standings, had signed to stay with GSE for at least one more season.

The team has also confirmed that, aside from the Infostrada-sponsored works team, it will be the only other outfit in WSBK next year to receive factory backing. Hodgson has humbled both the official squad, and other championship contenders, on his four world appearances this year, which have produced two wins and two podium visits at Donington Park and Brands Hatch, and the team was keen to keep him for its graduation.

"I'm delighted to confirm that Neil Hodgson will be moving up to the World Superbike Championship with GSE Racing," admitted team manager Colin Wright, "The team has shown on more than one occasion this year that it can take on and beat the best in the world, and we are delighted that Neil has decided that his immediate future lies with us."

The identity of Hodgson's team-mate for 2001 will be revealed soon, but will definitely not be current partner Niall MacKenzie who announced his retirement on the same day as the WSBK assault was confirmed. BSB rival Chris Walker and World Supersport front-runner Ruben Xaus are thought to be in the frame.