Hopper moves to team Green

Lead Suzuki MotoGP John Hopkins is to switch camps to the rapidly-improving Kawasaki next season. Here is what Kawasaki had to say about it...

With his name at the top of most team managers' wish lists, Hopkins turned down a number of lucrative offers from other teams in order to sign with Kawasaki. Securing the 24-year-old Californian's services for the next two years was the culmination of weeks of negotiations between Hopkins' management company and Kawasaki's Competition Manager, Michael Bartholemy.

"We have had our eye on John for some time, so we didn't hesitate to open negotiations with him as soon as we heard he was considering his options for the next two years," explained Bartholemy.

"The discussions haven't been easy, as John is probably the most sought after rider in the paddock at the moment, but we are happy that, of all the options open to him for next year, he finally chose to join Kawasaki."

Hopkins, who hails from San Diego in California, made his Grand Prix debut in 2002 for the WCM Red Bull team, for whom he raced a 500cc two-stroke against the new breed of four-stroke MotoGP machines.

After impressing during his rookie year, for the following season Hopkins secured a seat alongside former 500cc world champion, Kenny Roberts, in the factory Suzuki MotoGP squad, for whom he is now in his fifth season.

While he's undoubtedly made progress during his time in the premier series, Bartholemy believes Hopkins will at last be able to fully realise his considerable talents aboard Kawasaki's rapidly evolving, and improving, ZX-RR. The American already has a head start, being familiar with Bridgestone tyres, which he currently runs, and on which the Ninjas have been making continuous steps forward this season.

"John has both the ability and the determination necessary to win races but, before this year, he maybe hasn't had the machinery necessary. I'm confident that the combination of John Hopkins and Kawasaki's Ninja ZX-RR will be a potent one next year, and we're looking forward to seeing John realise both his and Kawasaki's full potential," continued Bartholemy.