Tyco Suzuki is pleased to announce former MotoGP star and runner up in the 2011 BSB series, John Hopkins, will be spearheading their assault on next season’s British Superbike Championship – aboard a GSX-R1000 TAS Racing prepared machine. Hopkins needs little or no introduction to the British Superbike Championship or its fans, narrowly losing out on the 2011 title, in the final race of the season at Brands Hatch, by just 6/1000ths of a second. Having sat out 2013 to recover from injuries sustained the previous year, ‘Hopper’ as he is affectionately know in global racing circles, is delighted to be joining the Northern Ireland based team. This is what the 30-year-old said from his home in California. “I’m really excited to be coming back to British Superbike in 2014 and delighted to be joining Tyco Suzuki. It’s been a long year away from racing getting my body healthy. I’m feeling good and I’ve also become a brand new dad. I feel better than I have done in a lot of years and I’m really excited to be getting back out on track, especially on the Suzuki GSX-R1000.” Looking at the challenge ahead, Hopkins added: “I really feel like I’ve got a point to prove in the British Superbike Championship, so as I say I can’t wait to get out there on track and do some riding.” Team Manager Philip Neill said of his new signing: “Hopper really was the man we wanted for 2014 and we are excited to announce this agreement. John has been a part of the Suzuki family for many years and having him back on a GSX-R1000 next year provides a shot of motivation to everyone at Suzuki GB; our title sponsor Tyco Security Products and indeed all our crew members at TAS Racing.” Neill added: “BSB is such a high profile championship and produces some of the best racing in the world, and I sincerely hope the return of John Hopkins is positive news for all the BSB fans. From a Tyco Suzuki point of view, we simply can’t wait to start the new season.” Follow us on Twitter: @tyco_Suzuki Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/tycosuzukibytas www.tyco-suzuki.co.uk More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki News Service: Former Suzuki MotoGP, WSB and BSB rider John Hopkins will spearhead Tyco Suzuki’s 2014 British Superbike Championship aboard the TAS Racing GSX-R1000. The 2011 BSB runner-up, who narrowly lost the title at the final race of the season at Brands Hatch by 6/1000ths-of-a-second, has agreed terms with the Northern Ireland-based team; after spending 12 months-off racing to recover from operations to repair old injuries. Said the 30-year-old: “I’m really excited to be coming back to British Superbike in 2014 and delighted to be joining Tyco Suzuki. It’s been a long year away from racing getting my body healthy. I’m feeling good and I’ve also become a brand-new dad. I feel better than I have done in a lot of years and I’m really excited to be getting back out on track; especially on the Suzuki GSX-R1000.” Looking at the challenge ahead, Hopkins added: “I really feel like I’ve got a point to prove in the British Superbike Championship, so as I say; I can’t wait to get out there on track and do some riding.” Team Manager Philip Neill said: “Hopper really was the man we wanted for 2014 and we are excited to announce this agreement. John has been a part of the Suzuki family for many years and having him back on a GSX-R1000 next year provides a shot of motivation to everyone at Suzuki GB, our title sponsor Tyco Security Products; and indeed all our crew members at TAS Racing. “BSB is such a high-profile championship and produces some of the best racing in the world, and I sincerely hope the return of John Hopkins is positive news for all the BSB fans. From a Tyco Suzuki point of view, we simply can’t wait to start the new season.” Another announcement is expected in the near future regarding any further Tyco Suzuki riders.