From a press release issued by Red Bull Yamaha:

HOFMANN MAKES HISTORY AT CATALUNYA GP

German Alex Hofmann makes racing history this weekend at the Catalunya GP in Spain aboard the Red Bull Yamaha YZR500. Hofmann, who has recently celebrated his 22nd birthday, has the honor this weekend of being the first German rider ever to race on a Factory 500 Yamaha.


Alex Hofmann
“I am the first German ever to compete on a Factory 500 Yamaha as well as the first German to race in the new MotoGP class so it’s history in the making this weekend. I am so happy to be here and to be given this opportunity. I am here to have fun and ride the bike at one of my favorite tracks. I am racing in the best class, with the best riders on the best bikes and I will be pushing myself to the limit.

“I tested the bike for only one day last week in Assen, so I plan to get as much track time as possible on Friday and Saturday so I can get a feeling for the bike. I have no expectations but I want to make solid progress over the weekend.

“I am sure that the German fans will pay more attention to the MotoGP class this weekend with a German racing a 500 and I guess there will be more watching the TV coverage and cheering me on from the sidelines, pushing me on. I am here to work hard and to do my best.”

Alex, who contested the 250 World Championship last season for the Aprilia Racing Factory Team will be competing on bike #66 this weekend, his racing number since 1995.

Hofmann rides the Red Bull Yamaha this weekend in place of the injured Jean-Michel Bayle, who is resting his torn left arm bicep muscle. Bayle, the 2002 Test Rider himself replaced Garry McCoy who is anticipated to be racing at the UK Grand Prix.

John “Hopper” Hopkins, teammate this year to McCoy, Bayle and Hofmann, is looking to score points again in this GP. The young American rookie who has finished in the points at every GP this year is hoping for his first Top 10 finish. Hopkins tested here in March this year so this will be one track that he has had a chance to get to know before the race weekend.


John Hopkins
“I like this track, the elevation changes, the layout and the tight corners. It will be good to get on the bike on Friday and concentrate solely on the bike set-up and not have to learn a new track. I feel like I’m in really good physical condition and the heat here is just like being at home on a Summer day in San Diego, California.”