John Hopkins still waiting on Kawasaki

American John Hopkins is still waiting for official confirmation that Kawasaki will plunge the MotoGP world championship into crisis by withdrawing its factory team from the 2009 season.

Kawasaki has signalled its intention to quit with immediate effect with team personnel all told on December 29 that the team would fold.

Hopkins though is still waiting on clarification of Kawasaki’s plans; with the Japanese factory as yet to release any official statement concerning its future plans.

In a message posted on his personal website to fans on New Year’s Eve, Hopkins said: “As you all know, everything is up in the air and people want answers.

“Everything from here is now in my manager’s hands. I have read nearly all articles posted and I find it absolutely crazy how people are stating that I have announced this or said that when in fact I have avoided phone-calls from the media until time permits.

“There will be an official press release very soon, where we can confirm or deny all rumours. I will let you all now as soon as I get the go ahead. I just wanted to say thank you for all your support through this year and now.”

An official statement is expected from Kawasaki next Monday.

Hopkins’ manager Bob Moore has so far refused to comment on the situation.