From a GSE Racing press release:
“GSE Racing has confirmed that it has agreed a three-year contract with Ducati Corse to compete in the Superbike World Championship. At the same time, the UK’s leading Superbike team has announced that Neil Hodgson will remain on the GSE Racing Ducati for the duration of this contract (2002-04) and that his teammate for 2002 will be James Toseland.

“The announcement was made by GSE Racing Team Manager Colin Wright, who is delighted with the long-term view adopted by Ducati Corse: ‘GSE Racing has made a successful entry into the Superbike World Championship. This has been recognized by the Ducati factory and we are in a position to plan for the future development of the team after the secure foundations that have been laid over the past three seasons.

” ‘Consistency is the key to this strategy and our aim is to pick up from where we have left off this season. I am confident that Neil will be one of the main contenders for the 2002 Superbike World Championship and that James will continue to develop into the best young British prospect at this level. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the GSE Group, HM Plant, Axo, Motorex, Dunlop and Suomy for their continued support in 2002.’

“Neil Hodgson, who is currently fifth in the Superbike World Championship says: ‘There has been a lot of speculation in the press, but I always knew where my future lay. I am delighted that I have been able to commit the next three years of my career to GSE Racing and Ducati Corse. I wouldn’t be in this position without the support of the team over the past three seasons and it is now my intention to repay GSE Racing and its sponsors for their invaluable support. I believe that this agreement gives me the best opportunity to win the Superbike World Championship with Ducati and Dunlop tyres.’

“Team-mate James Toseland is also delighted that he has been included in the team’s plans for 2002: ‘GSE Racing has confirmed that they are taking me up on the option of a second year with the team. The progress that I have made this year, and the confidence that I have built up as a result, are down to the support of the team. I am sure that I shall be able to reach the next stage of my development programme on the GSE Racing Ducati with this tried-and-tested framework in place.”