Hopkins satisfied with first test – Exclusive pictures

John Hopkins heads to Valencia WSB this weekend satisfied after completing a one day test at Almeria, Spain on Monday.

Riding the Stiggy Honda CBR1000RR for the first time, Hopkins had to acquaint himself with the new bike, tyres, steel brakes and track.

He also had to complete the majority of his 50 laps in the wet after rain hit the Spanish circuit during the afternoon.

Speaking exclusively to MCN at the end of the test he said:
“It’s the first time I’ve ever ridden a Superbike, the first time I’ve ever ridden on Pirellis and the first time I’ve been to Almeria so there has been a lot to take in.

“The weather has been a bit iffy and I didn’t get as many laps as I’d like but I’ve accomplished what I set out to do and I’ve got acquainted to the bike and tyres.”

The 25 year old also revealed just how happy he was to be back on a bike again having been exiled from the MotoGP paddock after his factory Kawasaki squad collapsed at the end of last year.

He said: “It’s just great to be riding a motorcycle again. It feels a bit heavy compared to MotoGP, but it’s moving from side to side, I’m backing it in and it’s spinning up and I like that.

“I’m definitely enjoying riding again. It seems to me that these Superbikes have come a long way in the last few years and they work well.”

Hopkins may get to complete a few more laps tomorrow morning in Almeria before heading to Valencia for this weekends Valencia WSB round.

For full interview and what Hopkins feels about this weekends Valencia race see MCN out Wednesday 1st April.