One of the better, but not necessarily any more truthful, rumours currently pinging its way around the British Superbike paddock is that Neil Hodgson has found a decent-sized sponsor and will spearhead BMW's entry into BSB next season.

It is known the German manufacturer wants to run an S1000R in the British championship next season but BMW's UK arm doesn't seem to have the funds to stump up for a full year in Superbikes, so may be considering a Superstock or Evo Superbike effort instead.

However, if the speculation is true, Hodgson may bring with him a big-money backer, such as Parts Unlimited who have just launched in Europe, which will solve the finance issue. Whether it would be a two-bike team is another matter.

And to add further intrigue, current GSE Racing team boss Colin Wright has also been included in the mix after he and Hodgson were seen talking at length during the Croft BSB round. Wright was Hodgson's team boss when the Burnley man rode for GSE in the early Noughties.

Wright revealed on this very website that without a title sponsor, GSE would not be on the grid next season. Hodgson has had a torrid 2009, missing a good chunk of the AMA Superbike season after a massive crash saw him damage his shoulder a puncture a lung.

At present, Hodgson's mobile is switched off and Wright is once again said to be in the gym, which is an excellent name for a pub.