AN emotionally drained Carl Fogarty today returned home from Germany with a record fourth World Superbikes title.

A win in the first race at Hockenheim, his 55th for Ducati and 59th in total, was enough to clinch the championship with one round of a gruelling campaign still remaining.

He said: "Thank God it's all over. I can eat food again and sleep at night. I can relax at home and be a nice person for a while.

"I have not been too kind to the fans, running to my van and out the back of our hospitality area.

"But I am only human at the end of the day and it has been such a demanding last few weeks after Brands Hatch."

Fogarty, however, will be made to race at the final round in Japan. The 33-year-old had wanted to skip that gruelling trip as a reward for securing the title for Ducati.

But his team-mate Troy Corser is hanging onto second place by a matter of points and Fogarty's presence would be an enormous help as Ducati bid to clinch an emphatic one-two in the championship standings.

He said: "I don't want to go but I will have to, kicking and screaming!" The win follows World Superbikes titles in 1994, 1995 and last year and he will be attempting to make it three in a row next year with Ducati.

Fogarty has also twice been World Formula One champion in 1988, 1989 and won the FIM Formula One World Cup in 1990 as well as taking the World Endurance title in that year.

His first race victory was the 11th of the season and ended in controversy after being terminated a lap early following a bad crash between two other riders. Castrol Honda have launched an official complaint, as their rider, Aaron Slight, crossed the line first. But the result is expected to stand.

That result was a bonus for Fogarty, who entered the round needing just 30 points to make certain of victory following an amazing season.

He added: "This wasn't the time to win races, it was the time to win world titles.

"I won it right from the first race and stamped my authority on the championship from the word go.

"The expectation I carry is enormous but I seem to cope with it very well."

Wife Michaela was in Germany to help celebrate with the team's mechanics, who had also clinched the manufacturer's championship, in the Ducati hospitality compound at the circuit.

Foggy added: "It was nice to pay Ducati back for all their hard work."

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