CARL Fogarty is predicting a difficult season ahead as he attempts to claim his third World Superbike title in a row.

The Blackburn ace came off at over 100mph in qualifying for the opening round in Misano, San Marino, injuring his hand and had to settle for a seventh and sixth in the two races.

"I broke my hand in Japan and the fall aggravated it. I've got a few cuts and bruises and a chipped bone, but it's not too bad.

"I will be fit for Donington in a couple of weeks," said Fogarty.

The biggest headache for Fogarty is the handling of his Honda RC45, which so far has been far from ideal.

"The bike is not as I want it yet. The problem is that I cannot go into corners properly. I'm being forced to run wide.

"The bike does not like bumps at all and Misano was very bumpy and did not suit it. "But it is not like that everywhere and will be better on other tracks. The engine is fine, it's just a case of getting the bike suited to me and my style," he added.

Fogarty will be at Donington this week to continue testing the bike, ready for the second round of the championship on April 28th.

American John Kocinski heads the title table with 50 points, with Troy Corser second on 40 points and Pierfrancesco Chili third on 32 points.

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