NEIL Hodgson is on the verge of a dramatic return to the World Superbike Championship in 2007.

Hodgson, who races in the American series for Ducati, is wanted by his Italian employers to lead a second factory team.

And the Burnley rider, who has endured a barren two years in the US, is desperate to re-join the winners circle.

"It would be a dream to be back in the factory team," said the former British and WSB champion.

"I'm sick of battling for fourth places because of the technical rules. I race to win and get enjoyment for winning, and I haven't had that for two years.

"The prospect of doing the same thing next year doesn't appeal to me one bit, even if they paid me £20 million."

Hodgson is one of the riders currently being considered for Ducati's expected four-man, factory-backed attack on the World Superbike Championship next year.

The team already field two 999 machines in the series, and would use a 'satellite' team to run the extra pair, helped by Ducati technicians.

But Hodgson's special status with the team - he won both titles with Ducati - will put him in pole position for a seat.

"We will definitely run a factory team in WSB next year and we would like to have another team running the same specification bikes," said Ducati boss Paolo Ciabetti.

"We have been approached by several Ducati teams who have the budget and as a result, we hope to be able to offer Neil Hodgson something exciting soon."