 | Hodgson said he raced like a "novice" |
Neil Hodgson celebrated clinching the World Superbikes title with victory in Sunday's second race at Assen. Hodgson finished second behind team-mate Ruben Xaus in the opening race of the day but the Spaniard's victory was not enough to keep him in contention for the championship.
The Briton then turned the tables in the second race, only trailing Xaus for part of one lap during the 16 laps, before crossing the line ahead of him.
It was his first race win in eight attempts after also taking victory in the first nine outings this season.
Hodgson, who became only the second Briton to win the title after Carl Fogarty, was 140 points ahead of Xaus prior to the first race and only had to finish fifth to clinch the title.
Pierfrancesco Chili, who had started on pole, finished third, with James Toseland fourth.
Hodgson seemed set to clinch the title in style with a victory when he took an early lead at the Dutch circuit.
He was passed early on by Spaniards Gregorio Lavilla and Ruben Xaus, but took the lead back by the halfway stage when Lavilla crashed out. That left him to fight out a thrilling battle with Xaus, and he eventually settled for second place behind the Spaniard.
Hodgson was more relieved than elated after his success.
"It was such a tough race," he said. "I've been so relaxed all weekend, but I was so tense in the race.
"I rode like a novice, I just could not relax.
"I wanted to be world champion so bad. Twenty years of racing... it's taken such a long time to get here.
"I was enjoying the race, I was just annoyed I was riding so bad. It's the biggest thing ever, winning the world title."
Race 1 result
1. Ruben Xaus, Spain, Ducati, 33 minutes 7.249 seconds
2. Neil Hodgson, Britain, Ducati, 33:07.858
3. Pierfrancesco Chili, Italy, Ducati, 33:08.084
4. James Toseland, Britain, Ducati, 33:08.311
5. Chris Walker, Britain, Ducati, 33:21.986
6. Troy Corser, Australia, Petronas, 33:30.230
7. Leon Haslam, Britain, Ducati, 33:30.367
8. Ivan Clementi, Italy, Kawasaki, 33:30.599
Race 2 result
1. Neil Hodgson, Britain, Ducati 32:57.759
2. Ruben Xaus, Spain Ducati 32:58.225
3. Gregorio Lavilla, Spain, Suzuki 33:05.558
4. Regis Laconi, France, Ducati 33:12.643
5. Pierfrancesco Chili, Italy, Ducati 33:17.627
6. Leon Haslam, Britain, Ducati 33:25.756
7. Ivan Clementi, Italy, Kawasaki 33:36.765
8. Chris Walker, Britain, Ducati 33:39.327
Championship standings
1 Hodgson 431pts
2 Xaus 291
3 Toseland 240
4 Laconi 221
5 Lavilla 201
6 Walker 191
7 Chili 186
8 Martin 109
9 Borciani 98
10 Pedercini 97
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Brilliance by Hodgson
