2008 Surprises some by leaving Suzuki for Kawasaki, where he will ride alongside Anthony West.
2007 Remains at Rizla Suzuki alongside Vermeulen, with high hopes for the first year of 800cc racing. Starts the season with a promising fourth on the much-improved GSV-R and takes his first MotoGP podium at round four, in China. Team-mate Vermeulen then grabs the limelight with Suzuki's first ever (four-stroke) MotoGP victory, in the wet, next time out at Le Mans, and the pair are soon locked in a battle for top Suzuki honours.
While Hopper was unable to win a race, he enjoyed a better second half of the season than Vermeulen - racking up three podiums, including two second positions, and clinches a best yet fourth in the world championship with third place on his Suzuki farewell at the Valencia season finale.
2006 Remains at Suzuki, now backed by Rizla, where he is joined by new team-mate Chris Vermeulen. Enjoys his best season yet, highlighted by a debut pole position at Assen, but is unable to claim his first podium finish. Finishes fourth on two occasions. Tenth overall in championship.
2005 Despite interest from other teams, signs for third season at Suzuki and alongside Roberts. Confirms speed and, like Roberts, battles for lead in wet races in China and Britain - but is unable to get his first podium. Highlight of year is best ever GP finish of 5th in Japan and front row starts at Motegi and Sepang. 14th in championship.
2004 Continues with Suzuki alongside Kenny Roberts Jr. A pre-season Supercross injury hampers early season performance, but Hopper delivers a strong second half of year. Best result sixth at Portuguese Grand Prix. Finishes 16th in world championship despite being injured in first turn Motegi pile-up.
2003 Signs for Team Suzuki, but the 2003 spec GSV-R has serious handling problems from the start. Outperforms team-mate - and former world champion - Kenny Roberts but is left 17th in the championship. Best result seventh at Jerez - Suzuki's best finish of the year. Low point of season is a controversal ban from Malaysia following a first turn pile-up at Motegi.
2002 MotoGP debut with Red Bull Yamaha - 15th in championship with 58 points after an impressive season.
2001 AMA Formula Xtreme Champion (GSX-R1000).
2000 AMA 750 Supersport (GSX-R750) .
1999 Full Road Racing debut; Aprilia RS250 Cup Champion.
1986 Tarmac debut, First Race Win (minibikes).
