Hopkins confirmed for 2010 AMA Superbikes

FOLLOWING MONTHS of speculation about John Hopkins' motorcycle racing future, M4 Suzuki has announced the Anglo-American will compete in the 2010 AMA Superbike championship.

Up until last week, newly-formed MotoGP squad FB Corse insisted Hopkins was to compete for the team in this year's MotoGP series; FB has since confirmed Australian sensation Garry McCoy will be riding for the squad in the 2010 MotoGP series.

Speaking after M4's announcement, Hopkins said:

“I’m really excited to be working with the team and (team owner) John Ulrich again. We had a lot of success when I raced with them at the beginning of my career and I’d like to thank Monster, M4 and all the rest of our sponsors for making it happen. I’m also happy to be back on a Suzuki motorcycle again. I’m feeling healthier than I have in a long time. I think my fitness level is up there with the way it was in 2007 and I’m looking forward to getting out there on the track and enjoying racing again.

"I have the chance to ride the bike a little bit today at a Fastrack Riders track day at Fontana and I’m really pleased. It is just a shakedown test but the bike feels really comfortable to me. My goals are to learn the bike and the tracks, have a healthy season, perform to the best of my ability, and see where that leaves us in the championship. I’m really happy to have a ride with a great team and be healthy again and I’m looking forward to having a good season.”

"I have full confidence in John Hopkins and his abilities,” said Team Hammer owner John Ulrich. “I really enjoyed working with John before, and I’m really looking forward to working with him again. There is no doubt in my mind that he knows how to ride a motorcycle, and now at age 26 he’s got seven years of Grand Prix experience under his belt."