The 1999 British Superbike winning team, currently running INS Ducatis in this year’s championship, has also had confirmation from Ducati that, outside of its factory team, GSE Racing will be the only other officially supported team in the 2001 Superbike World Championship, as Team Principle
Darrell Healey confirmed:

“GSE Racing’s intention to move up to World Superbikes has been well documented and it gives me great pleasure to finally confirm that this is indeed the case. We are confident of our ability to compete at the highest level and I feel proud that this has been recognised by Ducati. In addition,
continued support from our sponsors will ensure that our performance and presentation remains second to none.”

This was a view that was shared by GSE Racing Team Manager Colin Wright, who also took the opportunity to confirm that Neil Hodgson has signed a new one year contract with an option for a further year, to race the factory Ducati for GSE Racing in the 2001 Superbike World Championship:

“I’m delighted to confirm that Neil Hodgson will be moving up to the Superbike World Championship with GSE Racing,” he said. “The team has shown on more than one occasion this year that it can take on and beat the best in the world and consequently we are delighted that Neil has decided that his immediate future lies with GSE Racing. We’ll also be making an announcement of a second rider shortly.”

Twenty-six-year-old Hodgson, who contested four World Championship races with GSE Racing this year as a wild card entry and finished on the podium in all four, including two wins, is looking forward to his future with GSE Racing. “I’m absolutely delighted to be riding for GSE Racing for the third consecutive year. I’ve really enjoyed my racing this year, the team has been superb and I’m thrilled to feature in the plans for the move up to World Superbikes. I really believe it’s where we belong and I can’t wait to getstarted.”