PSYCHIC Uri Geller has lent his hand to Carl Fogarty's bid to claim a third world superbike crown.

The world famous spoon bender will use all his psychic energy this weekend to help Fogarty in the ninth round of the championship at Assen, Holland.

This week's Motor Cycle News features a picture of Fogarty next to an imprint of Geller's hand.

The psychic is saying: "I want Motor Cycle News readers to put their hands on the top of my hand imprint and look into Carl's eyes in the picture."

Foggy's own eyes are focused sharply on two wins on his favourite track after slipping down to second place in the championship standings, six points behind bitter rival America's John Kocinski. "There are 25 points for each race win so, at the end of the day, six points is nothing," declared Fogarty.

"But Kocinski has just been so lucky this season - it's almost like his name is on the championship.

"That won't deter me or deflect me from my goal and that is to be world champion again."

Fogarty's Ducati team-mate, Neil Hodgson from Burnley, is just after as many points as he can get.

He lies ninth in the table and would love some podium finishes over the final four rounds.

"I've raced here quite a lot in the past and I think that's definitely an advantage," he said.

"It's a case from here on in of finishing as high as I can.

"There's plenty to race for."

With negotiations for rides next season reaching their climax, all of the riders are sure to have plenty to ride for.

Fogarty has still to reveal his plans for next season but is expected to announce a deal soon.

Points after eight of 12 rounds: 1 John Kocinski, USA (Castrol Honda) 273, 2 Carl Fogarty, GB (Ducati) 267, 3 Aaron Slight, New Zealand (Castrol Honda) 223; 9 Neil Hodgson, GB (Ducati) 96.

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