John Hopkins to Stiggy Honda rumours persist

Rumours that exiled Kawasaki MotoGP rider John Hopkins could make his debut in WSB this year have resurfaced in Qatar.

Hopkins has been linked to the new Stiggy Honda World Superbike team to ride alongside Britain’s Leon Haslam. MCN first reported the possibility of Hopkins joining the WSB team in December last year to replace the then injured Italian Roberto Rolfo.

After initial developments the deal went cold due to the fact that Hopkins was still under contract with his Kawasaki MotoGP squad.

MCN spoke with Stiggy Honda boss Johan Stigefelt for the latest on the situation.
He said: “It would depend on many factors and the fact that we already have two riders would make it difficult.

“But I do know that John has now been released from his contract with Kawasaki.”

If Hopkins did join WSB it would be a coup for the series as it would put yet another top rider in the mix.

It would also mean the series would have another fast American along with WSB sensation Ben Spies.