Kawasaki's John Hopkins and Anthony West were left frustrated today, after rear traction problems left them unable to fulfil their true potential in this afternoon's 22-lap Chinese Grand Prix. Hopkins finished a difficult race in 14th position, with West crossing the line a further 20 seconds back in 17th place. After qualifying on the fifth row of the grid yesterday, Hopkins was quick to make up places from the start of today's race. The Anglo-American put himself in touch with the leaders, including eventual race winner Valentino Rossi, by riding around the outside of the field at turn one. Unfortunately, Hopkins had it all to do again after a coming together with Alex de Angelis forced him to run on at the end of the main straight, and left him nursing a painful puncture wound after catching his knee on his own foot peg.
Repsol Honda riders Nicky Hayden and Dani Pedrosa completed a vital two-day test session at Jerez today, putting both men in positive mood for upcoming races. Although the sun shone once again, conditions weren’t ideal with strong winds blowing dust and debris onto the circuit. For this reason Pedrosa stopped earlier than usual, at around 3.30pm. Hayden kept going till the end of the day, using qualifying tyres for his final, fastest lap.