Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Luis d’Antin has announced that his team has reached an agreement with both Ducati and 2003 World Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson to contest the 2004 MotoGP World Championship.

“It is a very exciting challenge for me,” Hodgson was quoted as saying by Dorna Sports. “I watched the free practice this morning from trackside and these bikes are very intimidating. They are very, very fast and unbelievably loud, but I spoke to Loris after the session and he says it is less scary to ride one than it is to watch! It will be difficult but not impossible to win races – that is why I am here. My only intention is to work very, very hard to get the maximum out of the bike and of myself.”

D’Antin Ducati will field two riders but has not announced the second rider.

The announcement of the d’Antin Ducati deal included word that Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss would return to the Marlboro Ducati factory team in 2004.