CARL Fogarty only knows one way to fight adversity - and that's to meet it head-on.
The Blackburn Bullet's dreams of a fourth World Superbike crown may come under serious threat if series bosses decide to change the rules midway through the season.
But Foggy hopes to add fuel to the fire by chalking up the 14th double of an amazing career at Donington this weekend.
Ducati's amazing start to the season has prompted a ferocious backlash from the rest of the pack who claim their bikes are at a disadvantage.
As a result, Superbike bosses have held meetings this week to discuss proposals to add acceleration-sapping weight to the Ducati 996s in a bid to stop their dominance.
But if they opt to change the goal-posts, then Foggy believes it will only strengthen his resolve to keep hold of his title.
"It wouldn't surprise me if they did do something because that's what this sport can be like," said Fogarty.
"That's the down side of it and it's very frustrating after we've all worked so hard to get the bike set up right.
"But if they decide to punish us then it will only make me doubly determined to go out and win it again."
Talk of adding extra weight to the Ducati's first emerged after the last round in Phillip Island when Fogarty and team-mate Troy Corser ran away with both races.
Under existing rules, the Ducatis are allowed a capacity of up to 1000cc because they have twin-cylinders. Four-cylinder bikes - as run by Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki - must stick below 750cc.
Fogarty and Corser argue their bikes have a slower top speed than the faster fours.
But their rivals hit back claiming any bikes with a 250cc advantage are virtually uncatchable because they have extra corner-exit grunt.
They add that two-cylinder engines are easier on tyres.
"It seems to me some of the other riders are having a bit of a whinge because we're blowing them away at the moment," said Fogarty.
"People can see for themselves that we don't even have the fastest bikes out there.
"We've all been working hard as a team to get the bikes going as fast as we can and it's paid off, that's all."
Nothing will be decided before Sunday's third round at Donington where Fogarty aims to chalk up his second double of the season.
Over 80,000 people will flock to the Leicestershire circuit and Fogarty can't wait to strut his stuff on one of his favourite tracks in front of his home fans.
"It's nice to get back to England again although every race recently seems like it's been in front of a home crowd.
"Obviously, there's a bit more pressure on me because there'll be a big crowd there all wanting me to do well.
"But I've been there before and I know what it's all about.
"I'd love to win at Donington again and I'm going out to win both races.
"It's a very smooth, flowing circuit and hopefully the weather will be on our side.
"The bike is going really well and I'm feeling confident."
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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