THE final round of superbikes at Imola marks Neil Hodgson's swansong with GSE Racing.

It is the Burnley star's last ride aboard the HM Plant Ducati for GSE as he moves to Ducati Corse after four successful years of competition with the team.

His partnership with the British team has yielded a British Superbike Championship title as well as World Superbike race wins and podium finishes

Last season the 28-year-old gained an overall placing of fifth in the World Championship, but this weekend he is hoping to confirm a 2002 ranking of third in the world.

While the final two races of the year sees the spotlight fall on whether Colin Edwards or Troy Bayliss will come away from the Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit in Imola with the championship crown, the 13th round will also decide the final championship placing of Hodgson.

"I'm sure that it's going to be an pretty emotional weekend," said Hodgson.

"I've had a fantastic four years with GSE Racing and we've achieved some amazing results.

"The team is definitely one of the most professional in the paddock and it's been a pleasure working with them.

"I'll be sad to leave but they'll only be a couple of garages away next year and I expect that James will be snapping at my heels in most of the races, so it's not like I'll get a chance to miss them too much!

"I'm really looking forward to Imola, even though I had a couple of poor races there last year.

"I like the circuit and expect to be right up there with Colin and Troy when the lights go green.

"This will be my last chance to climb onto the podium in HM Plant Ducati colours and I'm going to make sure that that's exactly what I do.

"I only need to score three points in the first race to secure my third place in the championship then I can just go for it in the second. I want to end my time with GSE Racing with another win."