Tyco Suzuki’s John Hopkins is feeling ‘positive’ after making his return to the MCE British Superbike series after a three year absence, at the Brands Hatch Indy circuit over the weekend.

He didn’t make it on to a podium over the course of the double header’s but finished fifth in race one – and just outside the top ten in the final session.

The American goes into round two at Oulton Park in fortnight’s time holding eighth place in the championship standings, something he is quite pleased about considering the Indy track is not one of his favourite circuits.

“It’s no secret that the Brands Indy circuit wouldn’t be one of my favourites on the British calendar, but we can take a lot of positives from the weekend,” said Hopkins.

“Qualifying was tough in the wet conditions, but to put the Tyco Suzuki on the front row was pleasing. Fifth place was a solid enough result, but in race two I made a small uncharacteristic mistake and lost a few places that I couldn’t get back.

“Oulton Park was good to me last time I was here in British Superbike so it’s a circuit I’m looking forward to racing at next time out.”