Hopper’s Future In MotoGP Secure or Serious Doubt?

By Michael Hannas

Kawasaki is planning to announce their shock withdrawal from the 2009 MotoGP Championship within the week, is the rumor being reported by various internet media sources, although no official statement has been made by Kawasaki or Dorna as of yet.  The rumor seems to be taken by the sites reporting it and the public as all but certain to happen, despite the extremely shocking nature of this if it does occur considering the efforts placed recently into the Kawasaki MotoGP program.  The riders John Hopkins and Marco Melandri are signed for 2009, and crew and support contracts are also already signed that obligate Kawasaki to a considerable expense for 2009 regardless if they race or not.  The word in the paddock seems to be that Team Green would rather sit out and save what green they can rather than spend more green and risk running in the back of the pack again.  However, comments on John Hopkins official website seem to indicate there may not be as much truth to these rumors as people are thinking, while we should find out for sure within the week.  We have posted the comments from Hopkins site here for your reference, go to www.johnhopkins21.com for more:

“WORDS FROM HOPKINS

Hey guys.  As you all know, everything is up in the air and people want answers. Everything from here is now in my managers hands. I have read nearly all articles posted and find it absolutely crazy how people are stating that I have announced this / or said that. when in fact I have avoided ALL phone-calls from the media until time permits. There will be an official press release held very soon, where we can confirm or deny all rumors.   I will let you all now as soon as I get the go ahead. I just wanted to say thank you for all your support through this year and now. will keep you posted......            Hopper”

And from his wife Ashleigh Hopkins’ blog at www.johnhopkins21.com:

“I’m off now, I know that all these rumors are flying about the internet, reference Kawasaki and John’s position in GP from here on out. I am limited on what I can say, but will be sure to post a discussion on here as soon as we get the go ahead. I have been proof reading a ton of articles and news bulletins posted, and some are a load of rubbish. Like always, don’t believe absolutely everything you read ;)

I believe it will be around the 6^th-7^th of January is when an official press release by the teams at question and also Dorna is happening. will keep you posted....”