Hopkins to shun Bridgestone's 16-inch rear tyre

American John Hopkins has ruled out running one of Bridgestone’s new generation 16-inch rear tyres during the second half of the MotoGP world championship.

The factory Suzuki rider tested a 16-inch rear, which has been raced by fellow Bridgestone riders Loris Capirossi and Marco Melandri recently, at a test in Barcelona last month.

But he said he isn’t contemplating ditching the current 16.5-inch rear Bridgestone as he bids to consolidate his fourth place in the MotoGP standings going into the German GP at the Sachsenring on July 15.

“For me its not an option, “he told MCN. “It seems concrete the way they (Bridgestone) are doing development with me and I plan on continuing with the 16.5. There are a few other riders I know that aren’t really set on the 16.”

Commenting on the specific problem he faces when running the 16-inch he added: “It just runs of the edge of the tyre and is really unpredictable. It almost high-sides me everywhere.”