CARL Fogarty aims to put some daylight between himself and his world superbikes pursuers by completing a fabulous Monza hat-trick this weekend.

The two-time former world champion from Blackburn lies 24 points ahead of nearest rival New Zealander Aaron Slight.

But a win at Italy's "home of motor sport" on Sunday - after winning here for the past two years - could open the gap still further and put Foggy on course for a hat-trick of world championships too.

"It's very early days in the title race but it's nice to be at the top," said Fogarty, who is revered on the Monza circuit.

"It puts pressure on those behind.

"They know they can't let me get too far ahead - they're concentrating a bit maybe on what I'm doing.

"Whereas I'm concentrating on nothing other than winning races.

"Monza's a good circuit for me.

"It's very smooth and there's usually good racing here."

Fogarty maintains he will not be disadvantaged by Ducati team-mate Neil Hodgson's absence this weekend.

The Burnley rider smashed his kneecap last week and is out of this round and possibly the next in America as well.

"There are no team orders so we ride every man for himself anyway," said Fogarty.

"It won't affect anything this weekend."

New Zealand's Slight will be hoping to use previous success at this circuit as a platform for his assault on Sunday's two races.

American John Kocinski is out to regain lost points after finishing 14th in the last race at Hockenheim.

An opening lap collision with Fogarty forced Kocinski to ride to the chequered flag with loose bodywork on his machine.

"I felt I didn't get a good chance at Monza last year when I was with Ducati but now I'm sure I can add to my two wins this year with success on Sunday," said American Kocinski.

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