Rizla Suzuki confirm John Hopkins as wild card rider at Sepang, Malaysia – MotoGP news
Rizla Suzuki team has confirmed that John ‘Hopper’ Hopkins will use another wild card entry at the Malaysian MotoGP event.
The former Suzuki MotoGP rider has already enjoyed two wild card races during the 2011 premier class season.
According to sources of Motorcyclenews.com, a Suzuki spokesperson said, “John will be back with us for the Sepang race and everybody in the team is looking forward to welcoming him back. John is really fired up and determined to put the disappointment of
Brno behind him.”
The prime rider for Rizla Suzuki, Alvaro Bautista was injured during the Qatar race weekend which allowed Hopkins to race as a substitute for Bautista. Following his inclusion in the team, he was able to ride well during his season’s first wild card entry.
The second entry was granted him for the Brno race event. The American rider was good during the practice sessions but a hard fall during just before the raceday injured him, forcing him to miss out the race. Hopper fractured his right hand’s fingers in
the process.
Hopper is currently riding for Suzuki’s factory team at the British Superbike Championship, Samsung Crescent Suzuki. The former American MotoGP rider is leading the points’ chart for BSB series.
Following his mishap during the MotoGP Brno event, Hopper was keen to avail another opportunity in the premier class. The main aim for Hopkins is to be re-seated in a MotoGP team after hampering his racing career due to an unfortunate series of injuries.
Recently in the ongoing season, Hopkins has been contacted by Monster Yamaha Tech3 and LCR Honda teams. The reviving potential of Hopper is greatly praised by many team bosses.
However, he is still suffering from the last crash at Brno, as his fingers are taking time to repair. It is also reported that he might get a chance to ride the factory Suzuki machine in the season’s final round taking place at Valencia.
During his previous two runs, Hopkins has liked the improved race set of the Suzuki GSV-R very much and feels it has the potential to fight in the top squad.
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