After everything that happened to John Hopkins last year, you have to admire his tenacity, and you understand why Suzuki re-hired him for the 2005 MotoGP series.
Missing most of the pre-series testing due to two broken ankles, Hopkins was injured again after finally rounding into shape. He hung in there, however, and showed the maturity and speed that brought him into MotoGP at such a young age in the first place. In many ways, he was one of the most impressive MotoGP riders in 2004.
The big question for 2005 is whether Suzuki can provide him with a competitive bike. If they do, don’t be surprised if Hopkins emerges as a MotoGP star.
