CARL Fogarty jetted out for Japan today boosted by the news he's still top dog at Ducati.

The Blackburn bike ace, who goes into the final round of the World Superbike Championship on Sunday six points behind leader Troy Corser, had been sweating on a new deal with the Italian giants for next season.

But a phone call from team bosses yesterday morning finally put his mind to rest, ending speculation about a move to Suzuki.

"I am almost certain to be staying where I am now," said Foggy.

"I spoke to the team yesterday and they said that everything is fine.

"They told me I am at the top of their list and that's all I need to know.

"I feel a lot better for it although it would be nice to get something by fax to confirm it in writing."

Ducati are currently running two teams on the Superbike circuit but that is expected to be trimmed to one as a cost cutting measure next year.

And with the four current riders fighting for the two places up for grabs it has lead to friction, culminating in the dispute between Foggy and Pier-Francisco Chili, who rides for a rival Ducati team, in the last few weeks.

"We both ride a Ducati and none of the Ducati riders really knew what was happening next year which made things very tense.

"I don't think what Ducati have done is a very good idea at all.

"Whether it has been intended to keep us on the boil or keep us fast I don't know.

"But you don't need to do that with me anyway because I'm already fast and I can win races.

"It just created extra pressure which hasn't helped."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.