Donington Park MotoGP: John Hopkins unable to hide frustrations

Factory Kawasaki rider John Hopkins had yet another MotoGP weekend to forget, retiring from his third race out of the last four.

Hopkins was one of the unlucky riders who got caught up at the first turn with James Tosleands unexpected high-side, and after battling his way back into contention suffered yet another mechanical failure.

“It’s difficult to express how frustrated I feel after today’s race,” said Hopper.

“I got away from the start pretty well, but then Toseland highsided right in front of me exiting the first turn and, while he slid off the track, I had to brake almost to a standstill to avoid his bike.

“This left me dead last on the opening lap, but I got my head down and fought my way back through the field, eventually passing Anthony [West] to take tenth position.

“I think it was possible to close the gap on the group ahead of me, but then the bike just stopped at the Old Hairpin.

“Obviously we need to figure out what caused the problem, but with the next race less than one week away I don’t want to dwell on what went wrong today but, rather look forward to making amends next weekend in Assen.”