Hopkins eager for MotoGP return
Added on Friday, October 21st, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor
Hopkins eager for MotoGP return
John Hopkins has admitted that he has his sights firmly set on a full-time return to MotoGP as he prepares for another wildcard ride at this weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang.
Hopkins, who narrowly missed out on the British Superbike Championship title last weekend to Tommy Hill, will make a third wildcard appearance this season for Rizla Suzuki, having previously been part of the team in Jerez and Brno.
Hopkins claimed a 10th place finish in Spain back in April but failed to make the start in Brno in August after a crash in qualifying.
And the American rider has admitted that being back in the MotoGP paddock has whetted his appetite once again to make a return to the Grand Prix class, after his previous spells with Suzuki and Kawasaki.
“I’m heading to Sepang with only MotoGP on my mind,” said Hopkins. “When I went to Brno I was still in the middle of the BSB season and that was my main priority, but now I am totally focused on doing the best I can for Rizla Suzuki, the team and myself.
“I want to get back into MotoGP full-time and I cannot wait to get on the bike and show what I can do. I’ve seen Álvaro’s performances in recent races and the GSV-R looks like a great piece of kit now, it seems like the factory and the crew have done a good job and I just can’t wait to get on it. My finger is still sore, but that won’t hold me back, I’m so happy to be back here and it’s where I want to stay!”
