Hopkins hopes for run of dry races

Three of the last four Grands Prix have seen wet weather, with the Le Mans and Donington Park races taking place in the rain, and Mugello practice taking place in the wet.

Although Hopkins' teammate Chris Vermeulen - who is regarded as one of MotoGP's foremost wet weather riders - won in France and took third in Britain, the American believes Suzuki will fare even better if forthcoming races are dry.

"We need to get a run of dry races now because I think with the Suzuki and Bridgestone package can be competitive wherever we go," said Hopkins.

"I hope it will be dry at Assen next weekend as that is a place I really enjoy and I want to get a good result there so I can climb up that championship table."

Hopkins fought for a podium in the damp early part of the British GP, but lost ground when the track dried and finished a distant fifth.

"I got a decent start to the race and had a couple of battles early on with other riders," he said.

"As the rain stopped falling it created a dry line which was difficult for me because although most riders take that line it's not the one that I always take!

"For the most part I'm pleased with the result; we finished in the top five again and got some good points."