Comeback performance thrills Hopkins

The Suzuki rider missed the final pre-race test to recover from the injuries sustained in a crash at Losail in February. But Hopkins put the incident behind him when he returned to the circuit for the first round of the championship and finished a highly competitve fourth - right behind third-placed Dani Pedrosa.

"I am really happy with the way the race went after coming to this event in quite a bit of pain," said Hopkins.

"I was never sure how I'd ride or even if I'd ride! I got off to a good start but lost a couple of places on the first few laps, I soon got them back and from there on I just tried to keep myself up towards the front.

"It was important not to lose any positions, but unfortunately (Valentino) Rossi and (Casey) Stoner had a great pace and it was difficult to keep up with them. I stayed with Pedrosa and pushed him all the way till the end.

"I tried to get past him on the last lap but he's so little he gets out of the corners so quick that I just couldn't get past him."

Team manager Paul Denning praised Hopkins' performance.

"John did everything - and more - that we wanted of him and I am sure he would have loved to have been on that podium," said Denning.

"He had a good go on the last lap, but it wasn't going to happen without a massive risk and it was good to see him show maturity and bring the bike and himself home safely."

Chris Vermeulen completed a strong race for Rizla Suzuki by recovering from 16th - after a mediocre qualifying session and a poor first lap - to finish seventh.

"Chris has had a difficult weekend but showed what an asset he is by bringing the bike from 16th on the first lap to a very creditable seventh," said Denning.

"That result will give him great confidence for the next few races and when he improves on his qualifying positions I am sure he will be challenging right up there."