John Hopkins cagey on Kawasaki settlement

John Hopkins has refused to discuss whether he turned down the chance to ride the re-branded factory Kawasaki in this year’s MotoGP world championship.

It has been rumoured that the Californian was offered the chance to ride the new Hayate machine in 2009, which is a factory Kawasaki ZX-RR run under a new name.

Hopkins recently reached a settlement with Kawasaki to be released from his 2009 contract, and he will now campaign a Honda CBR1000RR in World Superbikes for the Stiggy Honda squad.

Hopkins though refused to comment on whether he’d knocked back the chance to stay in MotoGP as he looks forward to his WSB debut in Valencia on April 5.

The 25-year-old said: “Unfortunately that is something I can’t disclose. I can’t comment on that.

“The only thing I can say about that situation is we both agreed on good terms and settled amicably and both are very happy with the outcome of the release.”