Donington BSB: Pole an added bonus for Hopkins

Tyco Suzuki’s John Hopkins had one wish and that was to make it on to the front row during today’s MCE British Superbike qualifying session at Donington Park. But he ended the outing  going one better, and snatching pole from Buildbase BMW’s Ryuichi Kiyonari. 

The likeable American has been lacking race pace for most of the season, but appeared to have turned things around to be a potential winner once again. Today’s earlier free practice sessions were not positive for Hopkins, as he was blighted by technical problems. But his team worked hard to rectify the issues, and to help him to bag his first pole of the year. 

Now the former MotoGP racer wants to get a good start so that he can battle with both Kiyonari and Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki’s Shane Byrne to clinch his first win of the year.

“It feels good to get pole, and I enjoy riding here, and it is all about momentum at the track, and I love riding here. I had an electrical glitch that stopped us from going out this morning, but the boys are working really hard,” said Hopkins at the track. 

“My goal was the front or second row so pole is an added bonus. I think I have the race pace, and hopefully I can get away with the front two and have a good race.”