Hopkins happy with Stiggy testing
Added on Tuesday, March 31st, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor
Hopkins happy with Stiggy testing
John Hopkins ended four months away from the track after making his first outing on his new Stiggy Honda ahead of his World Superbikes debut this weekend.
Hopkins and the Stiggy Honda team clocked up the laps in Almeria as the American acquainted himself with the Honda CBR1000RR for the first time after signing up with the privateer WSB team.
After being left in limbo by Kawasaki’s decision to withdraw from MotoGP, Hopkins will partner Britain’s Leon Haslam at the third round of the championship in Valencia this weekend, with last season’s teammate Anthony West also in the Stiggy garage as the team’s Supersport entrant.
And Hopkins, who was already optimistic about the credentials of his new Honda after seeing it perform so well in Australia, is more than happy with his new ride.
“I am really happy with the testing we have done in Almeria,” said the 25-year-old. “The first impression of the bike and my new team is really good. The size of the motorcycle makes a big difference; it feels good to be able to move around on the bike again.
“After my disappointing season last year, it’s great to get out on track and enjoy riding a bike again. I’ve never been on a Superbike in my life but the size of the motorcycle makes a big difference and suits my style.
“I am looking forward to racing in Valencia this weekend and feel I am coming well prepared, despite not having had a lot of time on-track yet. I know the Valencia track well and should be able to put in a good performance.”
