Former MotoGP star John Hopkins will test a GSX-R1000 Superbike at California Speedway on 2-3 February, Team Hammer announcing that it is in negotiations to sign Hopkins to race the 2010 AMA Pro Racing American Superbike season for Team M4 Suzuki.

Hopkins, 26, won two AMA National Championships with Team Hammer, in 2000 and 2001, before beginning his world championship career with Red Bull Yamaha in 2002.

From there, Hopkins joined the factory Suzuki team, then moved to Kawasaki factory squad five years later. Last season, Hopkins raced with Stiggy Honda in the Superbike World Championship – his season marred by injury.

“We’re excited about having the opportunity to test with a rider the caliber of ‘Hopper’ and about the possibility that he might race with us in 2010,” said crew chief Keith Perry. “It’s been several years since the team worked with John and we had a lot of success together the last time.

“John went on to have success in MotoGP and it’s been nice to see him do well on the world championship scene. The team is hoping this test at Fontana will lay the groundwork for a successful partnership with Hopkins in anticipation of working together this upcoming season.”

Hopkins previously won the Supersport 750 and Formula Extreme Championships with Team Hammer before embarking on his international career.