CARL Fogarty has launched an immediate rearguard action in a bid to make it three World Superbikes titles in a row, writes NEIL BRAMWELL.

"I have told Ducati that if they make the rear of the bike better for next year, I'll win it again," he said on returning home to celebrate his fourth world crown.

But Ducati's chief rivals, Japanese giants Honda, have already made a cheeky move to attempt to copy Fogarty's success.

Honda have announced that their new bike for next year's campaign will be a 999cc twin-cylinder VTR SP1.

Castrol Honda manager Neil Tuxworth said: "I'm under no illusions that the first year with a new machine will be demanding on both team and riders."

And Fogarty is convinced that Honda will pose a realistic threat again.

He said: "You are talking about the biggest company in the world.

"You wouldn't expect them to get it wrong. With the resources they have got, I feel that eventually they are going to dominate.

"But I still don't think that Ducati get the credit we deserve. "We are a small company in comparison with Honda, yet we beat them every year."

Honda have been worried that, although their machines have been quicker, the bikes have not been winning on the twisty circuits where the Ducatis are easier to ride.

The Italians have strolled the manufacturers' championship but realise that improvements can still be made.

Fogarty said: "We are still having too much tyre trouble and handling problems at the rear.

"Even at Hockenheim, at the exits to the chicanes, the back end was shaking so badly. That's the area I'm pushing and pushing."

Fogarty returned home to Mellor yesterday feeling the effects of his exertions at Hockenheim that clinched his title.

He was on painkillers to numb soreness in his forearms caused by ripples on the German track followed the recent Formula One meeting.

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