John Hopkins will return to the British Superbike Championship in 2014 after signing to ride for the Tyco Suzuki team next season. The American missed out on the 2011 title in heartbreaking fashion to Tommy Hill before an injury ravaged 2012 in World Superbikes forced him to take a year out to rest and recuperate.
But Hopkins is revitalised and ready to go one better than his last season in BSB, admitting his has something to prove in the U.K.
“I’m really excited to be coming back to British Superbike in 2014 and delighted to be joining Tyco Suzuki. It’s been a long year away from racing getting my body healthy. I’m feeling good and I’ve also become a brand new dad. I feel better than I have done in a lot of years and I’m really excited to be getting back out on track, especially on the Suzuki GSX-R1000. I really feel like I’ve got a point to prove in the British Superbike Championship, so as I say I can’t wait to get out there on track and do some riding.”
Team Manager Philip Neill is delighted to welcome Hopkins back to the championship and is already eagerly anticipating the new campaign.
“Hopper really was the man we wanted for 2014 and we are excited to announce this agreement. John has been a part of the Suzuki family for many years and having him back on a GSX-R1000 next year provides a shot of motivation to everyone at Suzuki GB; our title sponsor Tyco Security Products and indeed all our crew members at TAS Racing. BSB is such a high profile championship and produces some of the best racing in the world, and I sincerely hope the return of John Hopkins is positive news for all the BSB fans. From a Tyco Suzuki point of view, we simply can’t wait to start the new season.”