11/11/2009 - Former British and World Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson will make his much anticipated return to the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship next season after signing for the Motorpoint Yamaha team.
Hodgson returns to the UK after racing in the AMA Championship and securing the WSB crown in 2003. Hodgson last raced in BSB back in 2000 when he took the title for the GSE Racing team after a season-long battle with arch rival Chris Walker. The title fight went down to the wire at Donington Park for the final round of the championship following one of the most memorable seasons in BSB history.
Hodgson joins Rob McElnea's team following a visit to the Croft round of the championship back in September, with the former champion linked to several teams before today's (Wednesday) announcement.
Hodgson told MCN: "I've got a lot of passion in me and I know Rob does too. The only reason I'm back racing in BSB next year is to win the championship. I want to win the title for myself and for Rob's team. They've put a lot of hard work in over the years and deserve some reward for that. I hope we can be successful and all have big smiles on our faces. The best thing is that Rob genuinely wanted me for his team. I know people will look at the recent past and say I've made a bad call. I just want to go out and prove them wrong!"