US MotoGP: Hodgson eighth on Laguna Seca return

Neil Hodgson’s return to competitive race action for the first time since last October saw the British rider finish eighth quickest in the opening AMA superbike practice in Laguna Seca.

The former World and British superbike champion hasn’t raced since the final AMA round nine months ago when Ducati quit the American series.

Riding a Corona Honda FireBlade, Hodgson clocked a best time of 1.26.683 to finish just behind factory Suzuki rider Tommy Hayden.

Reigning American champion Ben Spies clocked the fastest time with a 1.24.701 that beat team-mate and title rival Mat Mladin by 0.2s. James Ellison was 17th fastest with a best time of 1.29.128.