CARL Fogarty could be tempted away from his favourite team if Italian manufacturers Ducati fail to up their offer.

And in a sensational twist, Ducati are believed to be lining up 1996 world champion Troy Corser to join them.

Blackburn ace Fogarty is in final negotiations to decide his ride for next season and the erratic performance of the Ducati machine and apparent indifference of some of his crew has caused a serious dilemma.

Suzuki have tabled a rival bid, believed to be a seven-figure sum, and Ducati are reluctant to match it.

Fogarty feels at home with the Italians, having won two world championships with them in 1994 and 1995.

But he has been seriously tempted by the Japanese team's interest - and their willingness to back this interest up with their unprecedented offer.

Superbikes insiders believe that the deal is simply too good for Fogarty to turn down.

"He's 31 and the time to cash in on his name and reputation is now, while he's still at the head of the pack," said one source.

"And the rumour was rife in Austria last weekend that Ducati want Troy Corser next season." This could also have implications for Fogarty's team-mate, Neil Hodgson from Burnley, who has not performed as well as might have been expected.

But it could also be a deciding factor in the mind of Fogarty, who would like to have everything sorted before the next round in the world championship series in Assen, Holland in two weeks.

"I've had one or two offers and I'm confident that something can be sorted out," said Fogarty, who won the first race at the A-1 Ring in Zeltweg last weekend before crashing out on race two.

"I've done a lot for Ducati and they've done a lot for me. I won two world championships with them.

"Money is a stumbling block at the minute.

"And I feel as well that there isn't the same level of commitment there that there was two years ago.

"Plus the bike is not performing like it should - the acceleration isn't what it should be.

"So there are things to be ironed out with Ducati but I am confident they can be."

Fogarty, who trails world superbikes leader John Kocinski by seven points with four rounds remaining, would not comment on the reported £1.5m offer from Suzuki.

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