Hopkins out to unleash potential at Brands Hatch

John Hopkins is looking to kick-start his 2016 MCE British Superbike season at Brands Hatch this weekend after a tough opening few rounds.

The former MotoGP star has failed to make an impression on the ePayMe Yamaha so far this season having only finished two races and scoring a best result of just ninth place.

After a return to the British Superbike podium with MotoRapido Ducati last year, Hopkins was tipped by many as a championship contender for the 2016 season as he moved to the ePayMe team to ride the Yamaha YZF-R1 Josh Brookes took to the 2015 title.

Despite a positive start in testing, Hopkins is yet to make an impression on his new steed but is hoping to change that this weekend.

“I want this to be where we really kick off our season and unlock the potential that I know we have,” Hopkins said. “We have had some small issues that have stopped us so far, but I remain one hundred per cent confident that the ePayMe Yamaha is a racing winning machine. We have shown that we have the pace to be at the sharp end but unfortunately some issues in the races have held us back.

“The Brands Hatch weekend couldn’t come soon enough for me. I have been really excited about this weekend since leaving Oulton Park because we had made big improvements with the chassis and our set-up. I really want to show what we are capable of.”