"I was disappointed not to keep fifth, especially after I'd battled so hard for it. The last corner was a bit manic and I don't know how Andrea stayed on the track because he was in there so hot. I got a bit pushed out and Loris came up the inside.
"To finish sixth like in Qatar and back that result up on a track I've never raced at in my condition is really good for me. This bike and this team are capable of being in the top six, even with a touch of bronchitis. I'm looking forward to getting the new engine now. We are one of the few that can actually look forward to getting something new for the next race and I can't wait for the new engine," he concluded.
After an early mistake, Hopkins had been ninth for much of the race, then overtook former team-mate
Chris Vermeulen with eight laps to go - and was in the right place at the right time during the final turn chaos.
"I was pushing hard to make a pass on lap four when I made a mistake and lost a few positions, so I gritted my teeth and pushed hard to stay with the group in front," said the Kawasaki star. "I was right with Toseland and Dovizioso when they had a coming together, which left the door open for me to make up another position. Although I'm pleased with the result, we still have a lot of work to do. My injury is feeling much better and now we have some test time so can continue the process of getting the Kawasaki to the top of the field."
Dovizioso, a highly impressive fourth on his
MotoGP debut at Qatar, had reached the front of the pack with four laps to go, only to see all his hard work undone in the closing stages.
