NEIL Hodgson hopes to end a turbulent first season back in MotoGP on a high at a track which holds good recent memories for the Englishman.

Hodgson arrived back in MotoGP as the World Superbike champion but has had a difficult time on a largely uncompetitive D'Antin Ducati.

The Burnley-born rider has enjoyed the odd highlight but despite his best efforts he is still unsure where he will be racing next season.

Valencia is a track which has recently seen the best of Hodgson and he hopes past glories can inspire him to end the year on a positive note.

He said: "It is the last race of a difficult year that has contained lots of disappointments.

"I've learned a lot and I want to end the year on a high note with a positive result.

"I've got a good record in Valencia and won both World Superbike races there last year and also hold the World Superbike lap record."

James Ellison, from Kendal, at least has his immediate future secured after agreeing to race for Harris WCM next season.

Ellison has stood in for the injured Chris Burns in recent weeks and was rewarded with a full-time ride for 2005.

He will enjoy the rare luxury of knowing a grand prix track in Spain this weekend and hopes to prove Harris WCM bosses were right to retain him.

"I really like the Valencia circuit and I've raced there about six times on the Supersport bike," he said.

"It's been a very fast learning curve for me coming into MotoGP but it's gone well and I'm sorted for next year.

"I'm really looking forward to the race and the only disappointment is that it's the last one before next year. This time last year I had no ride and so I'm really pleased how everything has worked out.

"My family, friends and personal sponsors are all coming to the race, which I think is the best of the year."