Shanghai Preview
CHINA TO MARK CENTENARY FOR HOPKINS
This weekend, the Grand Prix of China will be a cause for
celebration in the Kawasaki Racing Team. When he starts the
race on Sunday, number 21 rider, John Hopkins, will be marking
his 100th race in MotoGP and where better to do it than at
the track which gave him his first premier class podium spot
last year.
The Anglo-American, almost back to full fitness after a highside
in Australia in January, cannot wait to meet the demands of
the 5.281km Shanghai track and see what he can achieve this
year aboard his Ninja ZX-RR.
In addition to 2007's third place, Hopkins has previously
managed fourth and seventh positions in earlier rounds at
the circuit, so boasts a good history there. Furthermore,
he managed his best finish so far on the Kawasaki, last time
out at the Portuguese Grand Prix, when he rode over the line
in fifth position and, bearing in mind Shanghai's fast but
sweeping layout is known to suit the ZX-RR, it's an excited
squad with high hopes which heads for China this week.
Meanwhile, Anthony West, fresh from some gruelling training
in America, is determined to improve on his recent results
and feels optimistic for the weekend. After adjustments were
made to the base setting of his motorcycle after the last
round at Estoril, and the successful testing of some new Bridgestone
tyres, the 27-year-old Australian believes the race at Shanghai
could well prove his chance to shine.
John Hopkins
Kawasaki MotoGP Pilot #21
"It's been a really good two weeks at home in California.
I've done quite a bit of work on the house and I've spent
some time out motocrossing, so I'm feeling really relaxed.
I'm looking forward to the next round as we had a strong result
in Estoril and a successful post-race test. The Bridgestone
tyres are working well, as is the Ninja ZX-RR, and I am confident
we can build on what we've achieved so far. Last year Shanghai
was where I managed to get my first MotoGP podium and my aim
is to do the same again with the Kawasaki."
Anthony West
Kawasaki MotoGP Pilot #13
“Since the last round in Estoril I’ve spent time
away in America doing some cycling, which has been quite different
as I normally go running as part of my training. I’ve
enjoyed the break in my usual routine, so I think this has
been quite useful. The next round at Shanghai should be better
suited to the Ninja ZX-RR, as the corners are fast flowing
in comparison to the tracks we’ve been at already this
season. I am determined to improve our results and I’ll
be pushing hard to achieve this.”
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