NEIL Hodgson will be keeping his eye on World Superbike champion Colin Edwards as the American begins the defence of his title in Spain this weekend as the 2001 season fires into action at the 2.95-mile Valencia circuit.

Burnley's Hodgson, on his GSE Ducati, is returning to the World scene after a three year absence and Edwards is the man everyone wants to beat.

Castrol Honda's Edwards, 27, is confident of success in Sunday's two races of round one.

Edwards said: "I may be champion but I'm looking at this year the same as any other year -- but it is up to the others to stop me.

"We've had some good tests pre-season and now I just want to get on and start winning races again. The final Brands Hatch round of last year seems a long time ago now.

"Michelin have improved the tyres over the winter months and Honda has improved the machine so I'm confident we'll have the right package."

Edwards took six pole positions and eight race wins on his way to the 2000 title. But British champion Hodgson had his own success on the World scene last season -- winning races at Brands Hatch and Donington Park as a wild card entry.

"I can't afford to have a bad season. I've got one aim -- and that is to continue where I left off last season," admitted the 27-year-old. "I finished 2000 dominating, being on pole, leading races in World Superbikes. My plan is to slide straight back into that role."

Qualifying began today and continues tomorrow where the top 16 enter the one-lap Superpole competition at 4pm to determine grid positions for Sunday's races.