Team Suzuki rider John Hopkins is confident he will mount a serious challenge for the MotoGP crown when the 2005 season begins in Spain on Sunday.
The American, who has British parents, has been tipped to succeed this year – Hopkins is starting to agree.
"My ability has been blocked up for the last four years and now is the time for me to uncork all that," said Hopkins.
"I'm confident because we genuinely do have a package which can be competitive at the front of the grid."
Hopkins finished 16th in the overall standings for Team Suzuki last season after being hampered by injury problems.
But the 21-year-old has shown signs of improvement, posting the third fastest time in the final pre-season testing session in Jerez.
"This year I have a crew and a team behind me who have created a tight-knit atmosphere, which is good," Hopkins added.
"I'll accept a finish in the top five of each race – but don't expect me to be too happy about it. Podium positions is what I want to be achieving."
Four-time world champion Valentino Rossi will once again be the man to beat when the campaign gets underway at the Spanish GP.
But Hopkins believes he has found the key to exploiting the Italian's weaknesses when the battle begins on the track.
"Valentino is definitely beatable," said Hopkins. "I think his mind can be messed with.
"Last year I think Sete Gibernau messed with Valentino's head and he was certainly affected during the course of the season.
"I've learned a lot from Valentino and the way he goes about his business but now it's time to use that knowledge against him."
