Moto Rapido Ducati’s substitute rider John Hopkins set the second fastest time during this afternoon’s MCE British Superbike free practice session at Thruxton, and a new swing-arm from Ducati Corse has helped improve the Panigale, and that was evident today.
The former MotoGP man lapped a 1’15.525, and was only two tenths shy off the best time set by Milwaukee Yamaha’s Josh Brookes in FP2, and his team are confident that he has more in the tank to go even quicker tomorrow.
The American is a stand-in for the injured Jakub Smrz, and it is a case of so far so good for Hopkins and the Moto Rapido crew. His team have made only minor changes but are pleased with the progress he has made after only two free practice sessions today.
“We have a different swing-arm from Ducati Corse so that’s something we have been using, but he has taken straight to the bike, and we are pleased with the day,” said team boss, Steve Moore, speaking to bikesportnews.com from the track.
“He is very keen and said the laps are coming fairly simply and it is all about a rhythm around here. We could always do a fast lap, but we will see if we can do twenty tomorrow. The swing-arm has made an improvement and we have that to try this weeked and it has helped the bike to perform better - which is good.”
