Image courtesy Hopperracing.com

After dominating testing in Sepang Malaysia, as well as very impressive rides in Jerez and Valencia on Suzuki's new GSV-R800, it looks like John Hopkins (Hopper) is finally coming of age in the MotoGP world.

Colin Edwards, 2 time World Superbike Champion, got a look at Hopkins in Malaysia and thinks he's the one to watch for 2007.

"Hopper is the dark horse I'm telling you. If there is one guy you could say out of the whole paddock 'hey watch out dark horse', there is no other candidate, he is the one."

Colin Edwards said.

This is great news for Hopper fans. In the past 78 MotoGP showings, he doesn't have a single podium finish. I think that's all about to change. It looks like Suzuki has worked out a lot of the reliability issues, and got the bike running consistant. I'm looking forward to seeing the blue Rizla Suzuki on the podium along with the 2006 MotoGP Champion, Repsol Honda's Nicky Hayden.

We should get a better idea of how things will work later this month in Malaysia when the testing ban lifts on Jan 27 and Hopper returns for more testing.