NEIL HODGSON has signed a three-year deal to lead Ducati's challenge in World Superbikes.

The Burnley-born rider will stay with his GSE Racing team next year.

But in 2003 the GSE team will become Ducati's main factory outfit in World Superbikes, while the likes of new world champion Troy Bayliss and Ben Bostrom lead the Italian manufacturers onto the grand prix stage.

It means Hodgson will be on a one-year old bike - the same one that Bayliss rode to glory this year - for another year.

But the 26-year-old will have all the latest developments at his disposal.

Hodgson, who was also a target for Honda, said: "I class it as an honour for Ducati to offer me a three-year deal. It's not often that contracts that long are offered in motorcycling.

"I'm not bothered about not having the latest bike, because I've been told that there will only be two or three brake horsepower difference.

"And if Ducati make any major modifications they have promised to pass them on to us.

"The main thing for me was to stay with GSE, as we have worked brilliantly together for the last three years.

"The way I look at it is that Bayliss will have another three brake horsepower next year while I will have an extra 10."

"Who knows, if I win the world championship next year, Ducati may want me to lead their grand prix challenge. So there is no point in planning too far ahead."