CARL Fogarty has refused to rule out a move to the Grand Prix circuit next season.

It was reported that the World Superbike Champion was approached by 500cc legend Mick Doohan to race a Honda NSR.

The Australian is currently recovering from horrific injuries sustained in a crash earlier this year.

But Doohan took time out from his recuperation to watch the World Superbikes round in Laguna Seca in July.

And Fogarty and Doohan were on the same flight to California and had the opportunity to talk at length. The Blackburn ace said: "Yes, I did speak to Doohan then. That's all I am going to say."

Fogarty is still expected to stay with Ducati for what could be a tilt at an amazing fifth world title, despite a reported £2 million offer from Suzuki.

His quest for a fourth World Superbikes title resumed in Austria today at the A1-Ring.

Fogarty leads the championship by 48 points with four rounds remaining.

And protecting that lead was the priority.

He said: "I know what I've got to do and it's not about winning races now.

"I'll be keeping an eye on Troy Corser and Colin Edwards to make sure they are behind me. I feel like steadying the ship at the moment - I need to get everything back in order.

"I always go out to win but, if I was in battle with, say, Pier-Francesco Chili and Aaron Slight, I would think that I didn't need to beat those two if the others were behind me."

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