CARL Fogarty has signed a new contract with Italian manufacturers Ducati.

The three times World Superbike Champion, who is on the verge of a fourth title after a magnificent double at Assen yesterday, has agreed a new one-year deal.

Ducati are currently trying to keep the news under wraps but I can reveal the contract was signed weeks ago.

The speculation surrounding Fogarty's future has been intense.

Suzuki were reported to have offered a deal worth more than £2 million for the 2000 season.

In fact, Fogarty did not speak to the Japanese giants about a move.

And the latest rumour to engulf pit lane was that Suzuki's rivals Yamaha were in the frame. Again, that was without foundation.

Fogarty, however, did receive a casual offer from Grand Prix legend Mick Doohan.

He wants to run a Honda team in the 500cc next year, as it is increasingly unlikely that the Aussie world champ will be back on a bike by then, following the horrendous injuries he suffered in a crash this season.

But there would be little to gain for Fogarty in a switch to 500cc so late in his career.

And there are serious doubts whether the manufacturers would want to add another team to a series already swarming with Hondas. Instead, by staying with Ducati, he has every chance of securing an unprecedented fifth world title.

For the three times world champ is now just one win away fom this year's title.

He now takes a 71-point lead into next weekend's round at Hockenheim. But Fogarty was today trying not to get carried away.

He said: "We're not there yet. I've got to keep my concentration and keep focused and we will be all right. I cannot let it slip now."

One hand is on the trophy but it's not over until I have two hands on it."

Ducati have still to decide who will partner Fogarty next season.

But it is unlikely to be his current team-mate Troy Corser, who remaions second in this year's title race.

Suitable candidates within the current set of riders in world superbikes are not obvious and another hot tip, Anthony Gobert, is perhaps not the type of reliable character that Ducati want on board.

Fogarty would prefer to keep Corser in the camp, as the Aussie has been helpful in sharing information about bike set-up.

But another option is the talented Italian rider Loris Capirossi, who is currently racing in the 250cc world championship.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.