Crescent Suzuki finally announced their full line up in World Superbikes for 2012, issuing a press release confirming the addition of John Hopkins to the team, to be racing alongside Leon Camier. The announcement of Hopkins as rider was no real surprise, and had been expected almost from the moment that Crescent announced their intention of racing in World Superbikes next season.
It was Suzuki's official confirmation - equally expected - that they would be withdrawing from MotoGP that allowed Crescent and Hopkins to finalize the deal. The American had been holding on to hopes of a return to the MotoGP series, either with the Rizla Suzuki squad or on a satellite Honda, but with Stefan Bradl taking the LCR slot and no Suzuki, the only options Hopkins had in MotoGP were a CRT ride. His loyalty to the team and the level of competitiveness expected from the Crescent Suzuki team (which, though it will not have any factory support, will be working closely with the legendary Japanese firm Yoshimura, see separate press release below) meant that the logical choice for the America was to switch to World Superbikes for 2012.
