ePayMe Yamaha's John Hopkins ended his 2016 MCE British Superbike season on a high, with two second place finishes at the final round at Brands Hatch.

Now the American rider wants to remain in the series for next season, with the aim of winning the championship. The former MotoGP star has not signed any contracts for 2017, but was pleased
that he was able to bounce back from injury to bag his team their first podium finish of the year.

It has not been an easy few months for Hopkins as it took him time to fully recover from  a dislocated right collarbone, four broken ribs and a bruised  right lung sustained  at a nasty crash at Knockhill. Also he spent the year  getting used to riding the R1. But he bonded well with Team Manager, Tommy Hill and his crew.

"It has been really good, and the ePayMe Yamaha has been a great team all year long, but for whatever reason the results haven't materialized on race day," said Hopkins, speaking to bikesportnews.com at the track.

"It is so great to be able to get back on to the podium. The guys have worked hard all year long and it is nice to repay them with some podiums. I have enjoyed riding the R1 and it is a great package and it does have its weak points in places but we will see what happens for 2017. I haven't signed a deal officially yet but the plan is to remain in British Superbikes.

"I am getting into the early to mid 30's now so I am not in my early 20's, but in some respects I feel even better and I have a lot more consistency and I am a bit smoother on the bike. I was dog fighting out there so I am more motivated than ever to get to the front, and finally hopefully clinch the British Superbike championship one day."