Hopkins and Suzuki partnership continues Suzuki and John Hopkins have agreed to enter into a new two-year contract, which will see MotoGP’s youngest rider racing the ever-improving Suzuki GSV-R in the 2006 and 2007 seasons. The exciting Anglo-American star has been with Suzuki since 2003 and his hard riding style has been instrumental in the advancements made to Suzuki’s prototype race bike during that time. At 22-years-of-age, Hopkins is one of the brightest stars and most promising racers in the MotoGP field. Suzuki believe Hopkins has the potential to be a future World Champion and is delighted to have secured his services for a further two years against strong opposition from other manufacturers. Hopkins confirmed the continued partnership shortly after last weekend’s Czech Republic Grand Prix at Brno. No announcement has been made as yet who will partner him on the Suzuki next year. John Hopkins: “It’s really great to get the deal all done and sorted out and to be able to concentrate on the rest of the year. To keep the same crew members plays a big, big part in my decision to stay with Suzuki. I’ve worked with them now for three years and that has been pretty special, I’ve got a really good relationship with them. “To stay with Suzuki is definitely an honour. I’ve been here a while now, basically I’ve been with the GSV-R from day one day in and day out. I’d like to say that I have put the majority of my input into developing the bike that I am riding today. I have every reason to believe that Suzuki is going to get it right and we are going to run at the front. The pride in riding a bike that I’ve helped to develop and being able to ride at the front gives you so much more satisfaction than going to another bike that may already have been developed by somebody else. “I look forward to my future here at Suzuki and definitely plan on putting in my best seasons so far for them over the next two years.” Paul Denning Team Manager: “Suzuki is very happy to have retained the services of John for a further two years. He was being chased by other teams and manufacturers, so to get his signature in the face of such strong competition says a lot about the plans for the GSV-R and the strength of the Team. “I have been really impressed by John’s attitude this season, even when things have not gone to plan he still gives everything and that is an important factor. He is learning all the time and has shown real maturity throughout the year. The best thing is that he can still improve in all areas and that he will become a more complete package as time goes on. “I am sure that the podiums and race wins that John so desperately wants are not far away. He has already led two GP’s this season and with a little bit more luck I’m sure he would have turned them in to great results. “Chief Technician Stuart Shenton and all his crew are delighted at John’s decision to stay and I am convinced that the strong bond between John and all the guys in his team was a major contributory factor in him signing again for Suzuki. “We can all now look forward to the remainder of the season with high hopes for next year and beyond, with the target of seeing John fulfil the massive potential that he has and becoming a winner with Suzuki!”