BURNLEY'S former World Superbike champion Neil Hodgson could be forced to swap life in the fast lane for the unemployment queue.

But the 33-year-old, who claimed the championship crown back in 2003, is desperate to avoid hanging up his helmet and is frantically trying to find a team to take him on.

It is thought an opportunity could exist with Blackburn bullet Carl Fogarty who is reported to be considering running Hodgson on MV Augustas, although Fogarty has played down that rumour.

And while riding with Klaffi Honda is also a possibility, the East Lancashire flier must reach a decision on his future soon, with the season set to start on February 24 in Qatar.

Hodgson, who turned down a ride with Rizla Suzuki in the British Superbike Championship, admitted it was a concern.

He said: "I'm currently in a position that I feel very uncomfortable with. I haven't experienced it for over ten years. I am unemployed."

After two seasons with Ducati in the AMA Superbike championship, Hodgson was expecting to partner current World champion Troy Bayliss for the 2007 WSBK season - but Ducati instead opted to keep the underperforming Lorenzo Lanzi for a second year, a decision which angered the Burnley rider.

He added: "My career plans took an unsuspected turn when I was told by Ducati Corse that they would not be requiring my services for the 2007 World Superbike campaign.

"It appears that Troy Bayliss didn't want to be put under pressure by having a competitive team-mate and Ducati have bowed to his demands.

"This has left me as the longest-serving Ducati rider facing the prospect of changing brands for the first time in eight years.

"I've got a few options that we are currently working on. I suppose that in itself is a motivational prospect.

"I honestly believe that I've got another World Superbike Championship title in me."

But Bayliss, who received a similar allegation from Alex Barros, denied he had blocked anyone joining the team.

He said: "I am flattered they think I have that much power."