Haslam inspires Hopkins over title challenge
Added on Friday, March 27th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor
Haslam inspires Hopkins over title challenge
John Hopkins believes that he can mount a World Superbikes title challenge after signing up with Stiggy Honda.
The former Kawasaki MotoGP rider, who was without a ride following their decision to cancel MotoGP operations this winter, has signed up with the privateer Honda outfit for the remainder of this season’s World Superbike championship to partner Britain’s Leon Haslam.
And Hopkins revealed that it was Haslam’s performance in Australia that convinced the American that he could secure a competitive bike with the ambitious Honda team.
Haslam secured a podium finish in race two of the season’s opening round at Phillip Island earlier this month and despite having a more difficult time in Qatar two weeks later, Hopkins had seen enough to convince himself that he could compete.
“Right from the start, in the first race, Leon showed that the bike could be put on the podium,” he said. “The Stiggy Racing Honda has already proved that it is competitive and I would just like to adapt to it as quickly as possible. I want to be able to run at the front right from the get-go.
“So far this season, Ben Spies and Nori Haga have shown their abilities to run at the front and their championship intentions. I believe the bike, the team and myself have every capability of running at the front and dicing with the leaders. Starting from the third race in, we will be at an obvious disadvantage in the points, but I am just going to put my head down and work my way to the front.
“My goal is to accumulate as many wins and podiums as possible. I am looking forward to the experience and riding all the new tracks. I would like to thank my sponsors, Monster, Alpinestars, and Arai, for standing by me this season, and I would like to thank Stiggy Racing Honda for giving me the opportunity to go racing in such a competitive series!”
