MotoGP teams target WSBK star Hodgson.
Neil Hodgson's performance at Brands Hatch ten days ago has not only made the WSBK boys sit up and take notice, but has also attracted attention from the GP ranks as well.
With rumours rife with suggestions that the INS Ducati rider may be on the verge of a return to the world series, it has also emerged that at least two MotoGP teams are targeting him for a ride in 2001.
Neil Hodgson's performance at Brands Hatch ten days ago has not only made the WSBK boys sit up and take notice, but has also attracted attention from the GP ranks as well.
With rumours rife with suggestions that the INS Ducati rider may be on the verge of a return to the world series, it has also emerged that at least two MotoGP teams are targeting him for a ride in 2001.
Having lost out on the services of Alex Criville in recent weeks, the Telefonica Movistar Suzuki squad is seriously considering Hodgson for the second seat alongside champion-elect Kenny Roberts next year, while Red Bull Yamaha boss peter Clifford has also expressed an interest in the Lancastrian's services.
Clifford believes that Hodgson's relationship with the team before it became a factory-backed outfit may persuade him to return there next season, although the lure of a works Suzuki ride will also be a temptation for the current British Superbike Championship leader, even though the rider himself is keen to progress to the WSBK with the INS team.
''If Suzuki or Yamaha were to actually offer me a ride in GPs, I'd have to seriously consider it,'' he admitted to Motorcycle News at Knockhill last weekend, ''The ideal thing, however, would be to stay with the team I'm with now - if they can get the budget and the right bikes, I know I can win races for them in WSBK.''
Hodgson had a less than sterling career in both MotoGP and WSBK befroe returning to be a leading light in the BSB series.
