MotoGP – Istanbul – Hopkins was aiming for the podium

Great race today in Istanbul for John Hopkins. The Suzuki rider in fact fought for the podium with a small group of riders made up of Capirossi, Barros and Melandri, finishing in sixth position ahead of the reigning champion Nicky Hayden. Hopkins, who was aiming for the podium, is now thinking about the next race in China, a race which last year saw him finish in fourth place.

“It was certainly a great battle!”, exclaims John Hopkins. “First of all I would like to thank and congratulate Bridgestone: last year I had to stop to replace the tire and this year instead they put 6 bikes in the top 6 positions. I had a decent start and immediately pushed hard. It was a great race, one moment I was seventh, then third and then sixth again. We worked well and even though the goal was the podium we picked up some points. Now let's go to China where last year I finished the race in fourth position. It's a track that I like and where I think the Suzuki GSV-R and Bridgestone can do well.”