IT'S been just six weeks since he clinched the British Superbike Championship in dramatic style, but Neil Hodgson has his sights firmly set on 2001.

The 27-year-old Burnley rider returned from holiday in South Africa this week to launch GSE Racing's bid for the World Superbike Championship at the British Motorcycle Show.

And Hodgson -- who beat Chris Walker in a last-round shoot-out at Donington Park -- revealed that it "wasn't impossible" for him to win the World title next year.

"I want to win the championship. That might be difficult in my first season, but it's not impossible," said Hodgson, who will be partnered by Sheffield teenager James Toseland on the distinctive orange INS Ducatis.

"I've got the equipment, now all I need is a bit of luck. I want to continue where I've left off and that's to be one of the fastest riders in World Superbikes.

"In every practice session I want to be in the top three, and in every race I want to be in the top three.

"I'm hoping to be fastest in pre-season testing and then carry that momentum into the races.

"I won't be happy if I'm finishing in fifth place every time. I've set my sights higher, and if I don't meet them I won't be pleased."

And Hodgson -- who last raced in WSB in 1997 -- paid tribute to former team-mate and world champion Carl Fogarty for his efforts in raising the profile on British riders on the world stage. "I think the work that Carl has done over the years has helped a lot," he said.

"Before Carl came along, factory teams didn't really want to employ British riders, but when he became successful I got an opportunity, and although didn't really take advantage of it at the time.

"The profile of the British Superbike Championship helps as well. Everyone has had to raise their game domestically, lap records are falling, the British riders are very competitive.

"A lot of people have said that the championship will be lessened now that Chris and I are going to World Superbikes, but I don't think so. New riders will come in a get an opportunity, and hopefully, by the time I get too old, there will be more British riders ready to take on the world -- I'd be very happy with that."

And although the season is still almost five months away, Hodgson is eager to start training for what promises to be high toughest challenge yet.

"I have to be honest and say I've not been training since I won the title!" he admitted.

"I've just come back from a two-week break in Cape Town, where I got engaged to my girlfriend Kathryn. But I'll be flat-out for the next month with PR commitments, then get back to my home in the Isle of Man.

"I've bought a trials bike and a motocrosser and I hope to spend as much time as possible on them in December, enjoy Christmas and then get right into training in the New Year."