Former MotoGP star, John Hopkins is aiming to be a ‘showdown spoiler’ after his second place finish in the opening MCE British Superbike race at Oulton Park on Sunday.

The Panigale racer was so close to making his debut win of the season, but just lost out to JG Speedfit Kawasaki’s Leon Haslam in wet conditions. It is the best result of the year for his Moto Rapido team and this comes after his podium finish at Silverstone too.

But Hopper, as he is more commonly known, was unable to replicate his good form from the opening event, as he crashed unhurt at Brittens with 15 laps to go in the final race at the Cheshire track.

Before the incident the Californian was near the front with the leading pack and challenging for a double rostrum, and he showed that he had the pace in both the wet and dry, and now goes on to Assen where he wants to be up the sharp end once again.

“We actually thought the race was going to be dry so we scrapped warm up but it was a matter of riding to the conditions,” said Hopkins, after race one at the track.

“My biggest issue was visibility  the track spray got quite dirty on my visor so I kept having to wipe my visor down a bit but it was riding to the conditions I feel bad for Linfoot but we had a good race going and well done to Leon.

“I want to thank the Moto Rapido Ducati guys who have been working so hard. I don’t want to ruin anyone’s championship hopes but as we say we are going to be the showdown spoilers  I guess. I want to finish up the season at the front.”