Hodgson has been one of the most consistent riders in the championship so far and currently occupies third place in the overall standings. His aim for the final three rounds of the season is to consolidate this impressive position with at least one race win.

“It was good to have some time off to relax,” said the 28-year-old Brit, “but I never stopped thinking about the championship. Oschersleben was a tough round for me last year but it definitely won’t be this time. It’s very difficult to overtake there, and if I want to crack it, I’m going to need a good start, then be fast into turn one and strong coming out of the final bend – the rest of the circuit is just ‘follow my leader’. I’m going to have to be at the top of my game if I want to stay third in the world and right now I feel very much like I am.”

James Toseland is relieved that the holidays are over. The 21-year-old from Sheffield is itching to get back in the saddle and truly relishes the prospect of tackling the 3.7km German circuit this weekend.

“Oschersleben was a good round for me last year,” he said. “I like the circuit and it seems to suit my riding style. The power characteristics and maneuverability of the HM Plant Ducati are also perfect for the combination of right and left handers. My main aim is to finish in front of my future team-mate Chris Walker. I’m only five points ahead of him at the moment and I’ve got a bit of a fight on my hands if I want to hold on to seventh place in the championship – I definitely won’t be hanging about this weekend.”