CARL Fogarty can close the gap further on team mate Aaron Slight and Australian Troy Corser when the World Superbikes Championship reaches round seven at Brands Hatch tomorrow.

One of the Blackburn rider's favourite circuits, Brands Hatch holds special memories for him.

Last year Fogarty completed a memorable double on the circuit before going on to retain his world crown.

In practice yesterday his new Honda RC45 was performing well and he was third fastest after the first session.

"It's been a mad rush to get the bike set up during practice and qualifying," said 30-year-old Fogarty.

"If I can get the bike dialled in tomorrow then I've a good chance of winning.

"At least I know I'll have the support of the British public.

"We didn't do so well in the last round at Laguna Seca but that was always going to be the worst - thankfully that's out of the way now.

"The best is still to come for me and the circuits from here on in, particularly Assen, suit the bike well."

Fogarty says he has had to adapt his style this year after switching from Ducati to Honda.

"In the first couple of rounds I tried riding the bike in my old style and it just didn't work," he said.

"I've now learnt to be harder into corners and harder out and a lot smoother when I'm changing direction so as not to unsettle the bike."

Burnley's Neil Hodgson is now more comfortable too riding the Ducati bike that Fogarty vacated at the end of last season.

Third place at Laguna Seca was his best finish in Superbikes.

"It was a tremendous feeling and one I hope to experience again soon," said Hodgson.

"Being placed in front of a British crowd would be very special indeed.

"I'm determined to do well tomorrow and confident that I can - and that hasn't been the case for a long time."

The British pair had their work cut out after yesterday's opening qualifying session.

Hodgson finished the session seventh fastest while a disappointed Fogarty was ninth.

"It's going to be a tough weekend," said the world champion.

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