Hopkins confidence sky high

Factory Suzuki rider John Hopkins has admitted his confidence and morale were given a massive lift after his impressive fourth place finish in the season’s opening race in Qatar earlier this month.

The American’s fourth equalled his premier class best and he missed out on a maiden podium by just 0.5s after a race long duel with factory Honda rider Dani Pedrosa.

Still chasing full fitness after his 120mph Qatar testing crash last month, Hopkins goes into this weekend’s Spanish GP brimming with confidence.

The 23-year-old said: “The Qatar result has given me a massive lift. At the moment we are fourth in the championship and I believe I can climb the ladder even more. We had a decent test at Jerez before Christmas and Bridgestone has made some big improvements. I think everything will be sweet and we can put together good results early in the season.”

Having come so tantalisingly close to securing his debut top three finish in the Middle East, Hopkins said breaking his podium duck was well within his grasp.
“It can’t be far away, can it?”said Hopkins.