A poll appearing on www.ducati.com asking web surfers to “Pick Your Champion For 2002”, is currently being led by American Ben Bostrom.

Fan favorite Bostrom leads with 40% of the votes over 2001 World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss’ 22%.

Third Ducati rider Ruben Xaus and new Aprilia signee Noriyuki Haga are tied for third at 13%.

GSE Ducati Neil Hodgson is in fifth with 6% ahead of Pierfrancesco Chili’s 3% and Castrol Honda’s Colin Edwards’ 2%.

MotoGP rider Regis Laconi finished seventh in the poll with 1% of the votes, even though he will not compete in World Superbike this season.