This is a column from John Hopkins' girlfriend, Desiree.
John rides alongside American countryman Kenny Roberts for Team Suzuki this year in MotoGP.
John's nickname around the traps is 'Hopper'

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I have say that although the day was bad enough, John getting suspended over a first turn collision is ridiculous.

After the race was over, John admitted the crash was his fault and publicised his apologies to the other riders. We went back to the hotel to start packing when we get a call from the team manager saying that one of the FIM Stewards wanted to speak to John regarding the incident. So, he went down to the track and then came back saying that the FIM suspended John from the Malaysia GP and gave him a fine. Nearly 3 hours of discussion and appealing.

Apparently, to one of their "rules" or "codes," John was endangering other riders and is now on probation for the rest of the year, and is also classified as a dirty rider. The one thing I find funny is they just now decided to enforce suspension???? It seems like it should be debated.

From the grape vine, we heard that one of the riders complained to the FIM regarding the incident and wished to protest. How much of that is true is unknown, but can it be justified as endangering other riders? Because he openly admitted to the crash, he was suspended. HOWEVER, should he have lied and said there was a mechanical failure on the bike (i.e throttle got stuck, brakes didn't work, etc.....) It could of been overthrown and there would be no suspension. Perhaps a slap on the wrist and a small fine but how can anyone define endangering a rider? It's almost like a contradiction of going out and riding at 150mph wheel to wheel. Riding that close to another individual should be considered endangering, but then that wouldn't be racing.

When I spoke to Colin, he said, "Hey we've all done it" and Troy said it's racing. When John spoke to Carlos about it, he said he thought is was unfair as well but what happens if he could of broken a leg or his arm. I don't mean to sound snotty, but isn't that the risk you take when you race competitively at that level or any level for that matter? What do you expect on the first turn? " Oh please, after you. Excuse me while I nudge you ever so slightly to gain a few places." Give me a break. As I say to everyone, the start is the scariest part for me cause' they are all out to gain those few extra places on that first turn. When John said to Carlos, "You can't tell me you've never taken somebody out," the only response was walking away. "Who hasn't?" I understand Carlos' frustration, it's frustrating for everyone including John cause' this could of been one of Suzuki's best results all year. What about these incidents:

* South Africa- Colin ran into John and took out Carlos on the straight-TOTAL ACCIDENT
* Mugello- Kenny T-boned John the 3rd lap of the race-ACCIDENT.
* Catalunya-Andrew Pitt took out Akira Yanagawa and Jeremy McWilliams, putting Akira in the hospital-ACCIDENT.
* Donington-Yukio took out Alex Barros on the first turn of the race-ACCIDENT.

And they JUST NOW DECIDED TO PENALIZE???  What were the rest, minor bumping? Had it been deliberate, and John denied that saying it was a mechanical failure, there is no way they can prove it was justified as endangering other riders because it was mechanical. But again, because he admitted it, he's suspended? What a slap in the face! It's nice to know the race and safety directors are on the look out with now 3 races to go. We can't argue with their decision, what's final is final. Nevertheless, it can be questioned and many seem to agree that the "punishment" is too severe. I highly doubt John thought," Well guys I'm going down and a few of you are going down with me." I'm sure he had plenty of time to think of that.

So, I hope that EVERY TIME there is a crash involving 2 or more riders, it's an endangerment and it should apply to what ever rule the FIM is implying to. And who ever caused it, deliberate or accidental, first turn or last turn, first lap or last lap, should in fact receive the same treatment as John did. It's only fair and just. Again, apologies to those who were involved in the crash today, but that's racing isn't it? It was crap what happened, it shouldn't of happened, but unfortunately it did.

I say this with all the information I was given, conversations I spoke and saw, and I think there are valid and invalid points made regarding this matter. Anyway, so we may go to Australia in a few days and spend time down there while we wait for Phillip Island.

Desiree