Hopkins predicts a train of podiums

The Rizla Suzuki rider has been a frontrunner in every race so far this year. He led off the start in China, then shadowed leaders Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi for the whole race - briefly holding second after Rossi's error at the hairpin.

"I'm just really happy. I've got to thank everyone that's been behind me all the years in MotoGP," Hopkins told the BBC.

"It's a huge weight off my shoulders to finally get this. The Bridgestones and the Suzuki were just awesome.

"Now that we've done it once, it's just going to be a train of them, I can feel it. We've just got to keep that Suzuki and Bridgestones going."

Hopkins was not disappointed to lose second place to Rossi with three laps remaining, as safe-guarding a podium was his priority.

"I just wanted to get on the podium for the first time," he said.

"It would've been nice to beat Valentino, but the pace was hot, the guys were running awesome and they just weren't making any mistakes."