Hopkins: ‘We’re well on our way to a podium’

Moto Rapido Ducati rider John Hopkins says that his weekend goal – of retuning to the MCE British Superbike podium – is still well on track for this weekend at Thruxton, after a successful first day saw him finish second overall.

With the Ducati Panigale package – with its mountains of grip on the edge of a tyre – ideally suited to the fast and bumpy Hampshire circuit, there was always potential for the former MotoGP podium finisher to do well there – but he says that even then, he’s still been impressed with the bike.

“I’ve obviously never ridden the Ducati around here, but it’s just amazing for this pace. Drive, stability, grip – its all there. I’m happy with the way the day went, too, because I never once felt like I was over the limit, I know we have more in the box, and I never once felt like I was over the limit.

“There are things we have to do to the bike that we’ll know that will make a difference – and I wasn’t perfect either, I made a few mistakes on my fast lap too. It’s confidence inspiring to know that we still have something in reserve. We came into the weekend with hopes of being on the podium, and I think we’re well on our way to that.”