Hodgson makes Ducati debut
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Neil Hodgson will make his debut today on the world's fastest racing motorcycle, Ducati's 207mph MotoGP challenger.
Britain's leading rider will test the 990cc four-cylinder bike at the Valencia circuit in Spain, in preparation for his assault on the 2004 MotoGP championship. "I'm really looking forward to trying it and assessing how I will have to adjust my riding style to cope with the power and speed," said Hodgson, who will complete three days of rigorous testing on the 2.49-mile circuit, where he opened his 2003 World Superbike campaign with two race wins.
"I've been dreaming about riding the MotoGP bike for the last few nights, which shows that I'm both excited and nervous about it," he said. "I feel like this is the start of the 2004 season. It's great to have the opportunity to try it before the Christmas break."
Hodgson claimed his first world title this year on a 188bhp twin-cylinder Ducati in the superbike championship for showroom-based models. The Italian factory has now rewarded him with a step up to the 230bhp MotoGP model.
Hodgson and the British Superbike champion, Shane Byrne, will face motorcycle racing's greatest names in the 16-round MotoGP series, including the five-times champion, Valentino Rossi, who has thrown the competition open by switching from Honda to Yamaha.
Next year's British motorcycle Grand Prix looks likely to be rescheduled to avoid a clash with the Formula One race at Silverstone if the latter event is confirmed for 11 July. Sources said yesterday that Bernie Ecclestone, the head of Formula One's commercial operation, had negotiated for the date of the motorcycling race to be changed.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments