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Kawasaki: Hopkins is one hard rider...
A twelfth placed finish wasn't what John Hopkins had been hoping for on his Kawasaki debut, but given that he rode through 'excruciating' pain from his recent groin injury - and battled severe front tyre problems - it was a mighty effort.
Hopkins heads home for treatment.
The Anglo-American now faces a race against time to be fully fit for the final pre-season test, at Qatar from February 28-29, or at least by the season opener on March 9.
FIRST PICTURES: Kawasaki`s 2008 livery.
The livery appeared during the opening day of testing at Phillip Island, in Australia, on Wednesday - when new signing John Hopkins also rode with green-and-black leathers for the first time. Hopkins and Anthony West finished the first day of testing 12th and 13th on the timesheets.
Kawasaki `benefiting from Hopkins`.
Those positions may not have set any pulses racing, but 'Team Green' insists that lap times weren't a concern and claims to be delighted with the impact former Suzuki rider Hopkins has already made.