Hopkins to return to BSB with Tyco

John Hopkins will return to the MCE British Superbike Championship for 2014, after signing a deal with the Tyco Suzuki team to replace Josh Brookes for next season.

Hopkins, who has sat out 2013 recovering from an operation to his hip, is seeking to return to the championship he lost to Tommy Hill in 2011 by only 0.006 seconds, saying he has ‘unfinished business’ in the domestic  series.

Hopkins said: “I’m really excited to be coming back to BSB in 2014 and delighted to be joining Tyco Suzuki. It’s been a long year away from racing getting my body healthy and I’m feeling good. 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. 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 added: “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 sponsors 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 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.”  

For the full exclusive, see tomorrow’s (October 30th) Motor Cycle News.