Stiggy Honda's new recruit John Hopkins has finally broken his silence on the move from MotoGP to the World Superbike Championship, saying he wants to run at the front from the start of Valencia.

The former works Kawasaki rider has been the subject of much rumour over past months, most of it originating from my colleague Edgar Jessop, and it was known Hopper was in talks with Johan Stigefelt before Christmas.

Now the deal is done at Roby Rolfo's expense but Leon Haslam is happy with the decision. Hopkins himself is pleased to be riding again and expects to be at the sharp end come Valencia.

“I am really excited to get back out on the track and have nothing but good expectations. I have been watching SBK over the past few years and the series is always very exciting," he said.

"Each year, it keeps growing and growing and drawing more and more attention. The racing seems a lot tighter than in MotoGP. The machines seem more evenly matched so, all and all, I am just really excited to get started.

"Right from the start, in the first race, Leon showed that the bike could be put on the podium. The Stiggy Racing Honda has already proved that it is competitive and I would just like to adapt to it as quickly as possible. I want to be able to run at the front right from the get-go.

"So far this season, Ben Spies and Nori Haga have shown their abilities to run at  the front and their championship intentions. I believe the bike, the team and myself have every capability of running at the front and dicing with the leaders.

"Starting from the third race in, we will be at an obvious disadvantage in the points, but I am just going to put my head down and work my way to the front. My goal is to accumulate as many wins and podiums as possible. I am looking forward to the experience and riding all the new tracks."