CARL Fogarty and Neil Hodgson both face a test of nerve and character this weekend in Hockenheim, Germany, for the third round of the Superbike World Championship.

Both riders have struggled so far this season, Fogarty failing to get to grips with his new Honda, and Ducati rider Hodgson breaking his wrist and a rib in practice before the second round at Donington.

Burnley based Hodgson has been wearing a mini cast for the last two weeks and travelled to Germany this week in the hope of riding.

The gutsy campaigner was due to test this afternoon when a final decision will be made by the rider and his Italian team.

Meanwhile Fogarty is fit and raring to go. It's just his bike that's getting the Blackburn double world champion down.

He cannot get the Honda to handle how he likes it. "I've got to start making an impression soon," said a determined Fogarty.

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