Hopkins certain of his fitness for Qatar

The Rizla Suzuki rider broke a toe and suffered sprains and bruising in a crash on the final day of official testing at Losail last month. The injuries forced him to miss the following Jerez test, but he is sure he will be back to action for the start of the new campaign.

"I am slowly getting back to fitness and I'm ready to get to work in Qatar," said Hopkins. "I was gutted to miss the final test as we still had a bit of work to do and I really wanted to go for the (prize) car, but it was the best thing to do as I need to be ready for this weekend.

"Chris (Vermeulen) worked hard in Jerez and we learnt some stuff about tyres so we have an idea of what to use here in Qatar. I am more excited for this first race than I have ever been in my career and I need to get out there and start showing what the Suzuki and I can do."

Vermeulen believes that Suzuki's new GSV-R800 is ready to challenge right at the front following some encouraging performances in pre-season testing.

"Qatar is an unusual circuit and one that we have struggled at a bit before, but I am sure with the new bike and the latest tyres we will make some sort of impact this year," he said.

"It is going to be tough out there because of the heat, wind and dust but it's also a track that gives good, fast racing and I hope that we can push the Suzukis right up there to the front."