Hopkins To Mark Century at Shanghai
Added on Tuesday, April 29th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
Hopkins hoping mark 100th race with repeat performance.
John Hopkins will join the MotoGP 100 club this weekend as he lines up for the MotoGP fourth round in Shanghai.
The American will make his 100th MotoGP start on Sunday and will do so at the circuit which gave him his first ever podium.
The Shanghai circuit has been generally good to the Kawasaki rider, providing him with a seventh and fourth-place finish before 2007’s podium finish and after displaying good form in Estoril three weeks ago to finish fifth, hopes are high for an even better performance on a circuit that is expected to suit the Kawasaki.
Hopkins himself however has looked to avoid the hype in the MotoGP’s extended break, taking time out in California ahead of this weekend’s event.
“It’s been a really good two weeks at home in California,” said Hopkins. “I’ve done quite a bit of work on the house and I’ve spent some time out motocrossing, so I’m feeling really relaxed.
“I’m looking forward to the next round as we had a strong result in Estoril and a successful post-race test.
“The Bridgestone tyres are working well, as is the Ninja ZX-RR, and I am confident we can build on what we’ve achieved so far.
“Last year Shanghai was where I managed to get my first MotoGP podium and my aim is to do the same again with the Kawasaki.”
Meanwhile, teammate Anthony West has also been in the States during the break and hopes that changes made to his Ninja ZX-RR can help him improve on a slow start to the season.
“Since the last round in Estoril I’ve spent time away in America doing some cycling, which has been quite different as I normally go running as part of my training.
“I’ve enjoyed the break in my usual routine, so I think this has been quite useful.
“The next round at Shanghai should be better suited to the Ninja ZX-RR, as the corners are fast flowing in comparison to the tracks we’ve been at already this season.
“I am determined to improve our results and I’ll be pushing hard to achieve this.”
