Hopkins thanks former management.

Suzuki MotoGP star John Hopkins has thanked his former management company Protac, with whom he has parted ahead of the 2005 season.

Protac, which is headed by Douglas Gonda, helped guide Hopkins' career from his early days of AMA racing through to his first three-years of MotoGP.

"We feel very good about the direction in which we helped guide John's career," said Gonda. "He definitely had the talent, and even though some argued he didn't have the racing credentials that would warrant a grand prix ride, we were able to convince the GP teams that John was a solid risk. He's proven to be one of the leading up-and-coming riders in the series."

After winning the AMA 750 Supersport Series in 2000 and the AMA Formula Xtreme Series in 2001 with the Valvoline EMGO Suzuki squad, Protac was able to move Hopkins into MotoGP with Red Bull Yamaha. Hopper then signed with the factory Suzuki team in 2003, with whom he will continue in 2005.

"I would like to thank Doug and his company Protac for the work he has done in moving my career forward," Hopkins said. "His guidance, assistance, contacts and skillful negotiations have been a major factor in getting me into MotoGP and keeping me in MotoGP. I'm not sure I could have done it without Doug. My decision to change management is based simply on my desire to try something different."

Hopkins is now managed by 'The Familie'.