Ducati Decisions...
One of the surprises of last weekend's MCE British Superbike action was undoubtedly John Hopkins' impressive return to the series. Racing on the Moto Rapido Ducati in place of Jakub Smrz he managed to secure a top 6 finish on his first race back since 2014. He also secured Ducati their best ever result on a Panigale around the Brands Hatch GP circuit.
It is not news to anybody that 'Hopper' can ride a bike, having narrowly missed out on the MCE BSB title in 2011, as well as finishing in fourth position in the MotoGP championship in 2007. The surprise came with how quickly the rider gelled with the motorcycle with only an hour's testing on the model the week before round 6 he was quick to declare the bike to be one of the best he's ever ridden.
It's fantastic news for team boss Steve Moore with Hopkins securing the best result of the season on the bike in place of Jakub Smrz who is currently recovering from a wrist injury. The question that must be asked is who will be sitting on the bike when Thruxton rolls around? Jakub and the bike have come a long way and Moore has said that he believes the Czechoslovakian would have been able to match the performance at Brands this weekend. However, Hopkins seems to be comfortable on the bike almost instantly, and is evidently capable of getting the results.
Some vital talks will undoubtedly be going on behind the scenes over the next week or so, Hopkins has declared that the bike is good enough to get onto the podium and that he feels he can be the rider to get it there.
22.07.2015 - MCE Insurance
