American Hopkins tops Moto GP practice in China

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2007

SHANGHAI (AFP) — American John Hopkins was in blistering form at MotoGP practice on Friday, as he put in the fastest lap of the day to make him one of the early favourites at the Grand Prix of China.

The Suzuki rider clocked a time of 2min 01.204 sec in the closing minutes of the classification to squeeze out Italian standout Marcos Melandri in a Honda by 0.99 seconds with Spain's Dani Pedrosa, also on a Honda, coming third.

The Californian, whose riding style is suited to Shanghai's long straights and sweeping corners, has been in strong form early in the 2007 season, finishing fourth in Qatar and sixth in Turkey two weeks ago.

"The last couple of tracks have proved we can run in front," Hopkins told reporters at a media conference late Thursday.

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