NEIL Hodgson is off to America in a bid to land a unique racing treble.

The Burnley rider will return to Superbikes with Ducati next season after an unproductive year in MotoGP.

The former World and British Superbike champion is to race in America's AMA Superbike Championship in 2005.

The 30-year-old wants to make history by becoming the first rider to win all three titles.

"Having had a disappointing experience in MotoGP, it's such a relief to be back where I belong with Ducati Corse," Hodgson said.

"The AMA championship poses a great challenge both to me personally and to Ducati as they haven't won it for many years.

"Being back with the 999 is going to be so natural for me and I can't wait to start testing early next year.

"The main thing that I have discovered this year is that I cannot race just to make up the numbers. I need to win."

Hodgson's first appearance for his new team is scheduled for 3-5 January during testing at the legendary Daytona circuit in Florida.

World Superbike champion James Toseland will defend his title on Ducati next season after signing a contract to stay with the Italian manufacturer.

Toseland will be part of an unchanged line-up at Ducati which sees Frenchman Regis Laconi remain on the team despite losing the title to his British team-mate at the final round this season.

Toseland celebrates his new deal on the back of a prestigious award from top motorcycle magazine Motor Cycle News.

"This past week has been brilliant, first winning the MCN Man-of-the-Year award and then having my position with Ducati Corse confirmed for 2005," said Toseland.

"It's fantastic to start the season with the same team that I won the championship with and I'm hoping that our relationship will continue to be as successful.

"I learned an awful lot last year and I feel confident about retaining the world championship. I can't wait to get started.

Laconi added: "I am very happy to be reconfirmed by Ducati, this is what I wanted."

A third Ducati 999 will also be raced in World Superbikes by the Italian youngster Lorenzo Lanzi, who moves up from World Supersport.

The 23-year-old from Cesena finished fifth overall in World Supersport last season and will campaign a 999RS for a satellite team in 2005.