Hodgson is keen to forget his season in MotoGP

The former World and British Superbike champion is to race in America's AMA Superbike Championship in 2005.

The 30-year-old from Burnley wants to make history by becoming the first rider to win all three titles.

"Having had a disappointing experience in MotoGP, it's such a relief to be back where I belong with Ducati Corse," Hodgson said.

"The AMA championship poses a great challenge both to me personally and to Ducati as they haven't won it for many years.

"Being back with the 999 is going to be so natural for me and I can't wait to start testing.

"The main thing that I have discovered this year is that I cannot race just to make up the numbers. I need to win."

Toseland, Laconi and Lanzi will be in action from 16-18 November in a three-day test session at Valencia in Spain.

Hodgson's first appearance for the his new team is scheduled for 3-5 January during testing at the legendary Daytona circuit in Florida.