John Hopkins has concluded his first test onboard the Stiggy Racing Honda Superbike at the Almeria track in southern Spain before making his World Superbike Championship debut in Valencia this weekend.

Hopkins took to the track for the first time in four months and mainly focused on adapting to the Stiggy Racing Honda CBR1000RR and the way his new team works.

John Hopkins:

“I am really happy with the testing we have done in Almeria. The first impression of the bike and my new team is really good. There’s a very good professional atmosphere and everyone is very dedicated and motivated. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate much today and we weren’t able to string as many laps together as we would have liked to. ”

“We started on a dry track, but went fully wet towards the end of the day which enabled me to test a wet set-up as well. My first impression on the bike is that it really is a lot of fun riding it. After my disappointing season last year, it’s great to get out on track and enjoy riding a bike again. I’ve never been on a Superbike in my life but the size of the motorcycle makes a big difference and suits my style.”

“It feels good to be able to move around on the bike again and feel it spinning coming out of the corners. It’s a lot of fun and my confidence has been growing with every lap. I’m looking forward to racing in Valencia this weekend and feel I am coming well prepared, despite not spending a lot of time on- track yet. I know the Valencia track well and should be able to put in a good performance.”

Johan Stigefelt (Team Manager):

“I am confidently looking forward to the next race in Valencia. We have been able to spend some valuable time on-track and test some new parts in Almeria with both John and Leon. It all worked out well and is another important step forward in the development of our Stiggy Racing Honda CBR1000RR.

John has shown to be very easy to work with. He’s very optimistic and professional. He is not rushing anything, but just takes it step by step. Our main goal for him here today was to learn adapt to the bike and understand the structure in the team. It shows that he really enjoys being out on the bike again.

We still have to sort some things out, but overall I am happy with another step forward. Unfortunately we do not have too much time in the race weekends to test parts and develop the bike, so I am hoping for some more time on-track tomorrow morning.

I am happy with the first impression John has given the team. We already know Leon is fast and to see John step in and show his potential on the bike is just promising.”

Source | stiggy

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