Hopkins returns to Suzuki for Brno race

The Anglo-American, who already made an appearance with the team this year when he replaced the injured Alvaro Bautista at Jerez, will join the Spaniard this time for Suzuki's first two-bike effort of the year.

Hopkins, currently competing in the British Superbike championship, last raced at Brno in 2007, when he finished in second place with Suzuki.

"It's a real thrill to get the opportunity to ride at Brno and I'm really looking forward to it," said Hopkins. "I'm very pleased that we have been able to achieve it because it is something we have been working on for a long time.

"To be honest it couldn't be at a better track for me either, I had my best result in my MotoGP career at that track and I'm really pumped that I am going there again. As far as the Suzuki goes, I think it's a great bike and the package is a lot better than when I last rode it in 2007.

"It's also a huge benefit for me to be riding alongside Alvaro instead of riding in-place of him, so that will be really good, not just for me but for the whole team. With the two of us we can help develop the bike and share the extra data to get the best out of the GSV-R.

"It will be better to be riding with him in the team instead of replacing him, because nobody likes to see a rider injured and having more bikes on the grid is always better for everyone."