Suzuki’s single bike team rider Alvaro Bautista broke a leg in the second GP of the season and has been sitting out on the side lines when in the last race, John Hopkins substituted for him. Hopkins rode to a solid 10th place. Hopkins is now unavailable as he is now racing in British Superbikes. Bautista wants to be back on the bike for Estoril but he has to pass a fitness test before he can do so. In case of his failing the test, his place will be taken by long time Suzuki test rider, Nobuatso Aoki.