Suzuki poised to begin talks with Hopkins and Vermeulen

Suzuki bosses will begin formal discussions with factory duo John Hopkins and Chris Vermeulen within the next five weeks. 

The Barcelona GP on June 10, 2007 will be when discussions commence, with a view to Suzuki’s 2008 factory MotoGP line-up being decided in time for the Czech Republic GP in Brno after the summer break. 

Hopkins and Vermeulen are at the end of two-year deals in 2007, and Rizla Suzuki team boss Paul Denning told MCN: “We haven’t spoken to either rider yet regarding next year but we are just looking at the situation now.

“It’s a bit early to be getting into it seriously and I’d imagine we’d be getting into it seriously by around Barcelona time with a view to making some decisions by Brno.

“At this stage we are really happy with the performance and the future potential of both riders. They are both doing a great job and we consider them future winners.”

Hopkins claimed his first premier class podium in Shanghai, while Vermeulen claimed two pole positions and a podium in his debut season in 2006.