Kawasaki confirm two-year deal for Hopkins

Hopkins had been in talks with several teams about rides for next year, with Kawasaki making it clear that they were after a rider with race-winning potential for 2008.

Kawasaki's competition manager Michael Bartholemy said: "We have had our eye on John for some time, so we didn't hesitate to open negotiations with him as soon as we heard he was considering his options for the next two years

"The discussions haven't been easy, as John is probably the most sought after rider in the paddock at the moment, but we are happy that, of all the options open to him for next year, he finally chose to join Kawasaki.

"John has both the ability and the determination necessary to win races but, before this year, he maybe hasn't had the machinery necessary. I'm confident that the combination of John Hopkins and Kawasaki's Ninja ZX-RR will be a potent one next year, and we're looking forward to seeing John realise both his and Kawasaki's full potential."

Kawasaki are hoping to announce the identity of their second rider after next week's United States Grand Prix, with Bartholemy saying that they want two top-line riders in 2008. Loris Capirossi has been strongly linked with the team.

"We have proved that Kawasaki has a professional set-up and a competitive package in the Ninja ZX-RR, which is why we now have the option of also signing a proven MotoGP race winner to ride alongside John Hopkins next season," he said.

"Signing two top riders to campaign our bike in 2008 was always one of Kawasaki's primary goals for this year and, thanks mainly to the trust shown in the team by our colleagues in Japan; we are close to achieving this target before the mid-season break.

"Once we've finalised our rider line-up for next season we will then look closely at our current team set-up, to see if there is a way to improve even further the level of support we are able to offer to our two riders next year."