Kawasaki duo aim to prove Brno was no fluke
Added on Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
Hopkins and West both benefited from Michelin problems.
Kawasaki duo John Hopkins and Anthony West believe that they can finally start to realise the potential of the ZX-RR following a strong result at Brno two weeks ago.
The pair, who have struggled to get results on the Kawasaki so far this season, were considered by many to be the main beneficiaries of the Michelin debacle at Brno, with West securing a best-ever fifth place finish whilst Hopkins, despite finishing 11th on Sunday, started on the front row after a strong qualifying session.
But the pair, speaking ahead of this weekend’s San Marino Grand Prix in Misano, brushed off suggestions that the results were down to Michelin’s problems and pointed to the continued development work done by team engineers.
Hopkins, who made his comeback from injury in Brno, said: “We had a positive weekend in Brno following my return to the track after a long absence through injury and we managed to put the Kawasaki on the front row. Although I didn’t quite achieve the result we were hoping for, Anthony got into the top five, which just shows that the Kawasaki is improving all of the time and is capable of gaining good results.
“I really enjoy the Misano circuit, I managed to get on the podium there last year so it’s certainly a track I like.
“I’ve spent the last week in Miami resting and training just to give the injuries that I am still carrying the best possible time to recuperate, so I’m feeling stronger and ready to achieve the results we are more than capable of.”
West also said how he was relishing the trip to San Marino, despite being told that he will not be given a factory-backed MotoGP ride next season.
“I am looking forward to going to Misano following my best ever result in MotoGP last time out at Brno,” said the Australian.
“We had a positive post-race test there, and we managed to make further improvements to the bike, which has certainly made it easier to ride. I hope that we can continue with our development this weekend because I am determined for us to be fighting for more strong results in the dry.
“I have spent the last few days in Italy, where I’ve been out cycling, so I feel relaxed and ready to take on the challenge.
“There’s a good atmosphere at this circuit, but after last year’s washout on the opening practice day, the weather could play a really big part in proceedings.”
