John Hopkins makes Tech 3 Yamaha enquiry

John Hopkins is unlikely to be making a return to MotoGP with James Toseland’s Monster Tech 3 Yamaha squad next season.

Hopkins’ manager Bob Moore made tentative enquiries to Tech 3 boss Herve Poncharal in Catalunya last weekend to gauge interest in the American, who was exiled from MotoGP by Kawasaki’s withdrawal in January.

Moore is also a key figure with Monster’s sponsorship of Tech 3, and the energy drink giant has a long-standing and close relationship with Hopkins.

“We’re just looking for a good competitive option in MotoGP for John. If he can get a good bike then he knows he can do better than what he showed last season and be where he was in fourth in 2007. We’ve talked with Tech 3 a little bit about John, “Moore told MCN.

MCN understands though that Hopkins, who is currently recovering from serious injuries suffered in the recent Assen World Superbike clash, doesn’t figure in Tech 3 plans for next season.