This weekend, the Grand Prix of China will be a cause for celebration in the Kawasaki Racing Team. When he starts the race on Sunday, number 21 rider, John Hopkins, will be marking his 100th race in MotoGP and where better to do it than at the track which gave him his first premier class podium spot last year.

The Anglo-American, almost back to full fitness after a highside in Australia in January, cannot wait to meet the demands of the 5.281km Shanghai track and see what he can achieve this year aboard his Ninja ZX-RR.

In addition to 2007's third place, Hopkins has previously managed fourth and seventh positions in earlier rounds at the circuit, so boasts a good history there. Furthermore, he managed his best finish so far on the Kawasaki, last time out at the Portuguese Grand Prix, when he rode over the line in fifth position and, bearing in mind Shanghai's fast but sweeping layout is known to suit the ZX-RR, it's an excited squad with high hopes which heads for China this week.

Meanwhile, Anthony West, fresh from some gruelling training in America, is determined to improve on his recent results and feels optimistic for the weekend. After adjustments were made to the base setting of his motorcycle after the last round at Estoril, and the successful testing of some new Bridgestone tyres, the 27-year-old Australian believes the race at Shanghai could well prove his chance to shine.

John Hopkins: "It's been a really good two weeks at home in California. I've done quite a bit of work on the house and I've spent some time out motocrossing, so I'm feeling really relaxed. I'm looking forward to the next round as we had a strong result in Estoril and a successful post-race test. The Bridgestone tyres are working well, as is the Ninja ZX-RR, and I am confident we can build on what we've achieved so far. Last year Shanghai was where I managed to get my first MotoGP podium and my aim is to do the same again with the Kawasaki."
 
Anthony West: “Since the last round in Estoril I’ve spent time away in America doing some cycling, which has been quite different as I normally go running as part of my training. I’ve enjoyed the break in my usual routine, so I think this has been quite useful. The next round at Shanghai should be better suited to the Ninja ZX-RR, as the corners are fast flowing in comparison to the tracks we’ve been at already this season. I am determined to improve our results and I’ll be pushing hard to achieve this.”