Hopkins gets the green light for Imola
John Hopkins' long wait to start the 2012 SBK World Championship season is almost over after the American received the all-clear from his hand surgeon to return to the bike this coming weekend at Imola. The Californian rider, who had to miss the opening round at Phillip Island after crashing out in pre-season testing and injuring his hand, gets his first real run in anger at the first European appointment of the season.
"I am so pleased to get the all-clear and cannot wait to get on the bike again. I had been given strict instructions not to do any riding this week, which has been a bit frustrating, but I have occupied my time well with physiotherapy, training and numerous spells in the hyperbaric chamber. All of this has helped me to recover quickly and I have no doubt that I will be as fit as can be in Imola."
The long gap between the first and second round of the 25th edition of the championship has been a difficult one for the Ramona-born Hopkins, as he has raced to get fit in time for his SBK race debut this year on the Crescent Fixi Suzuki.
"It's been very busy recently," continued the American. "On Tuesday, I was in the hyperbaric chamber and then drove three hours each way to see my nutrition doctor in Palm Springs. Before that I have really been putting in the hours on my mountain bike and also on the cardio machines in the gym. I am really happy with my hand, how well it has been healing and the range of movement I have got. When I saw the doc on Wednesday, he told me that the bone was fully healed and everything was OK and I could start riding again! I'm hoping to get on my dirt bike before leaving for UK on Saturday, but I have just sold my house and there's loads of stuff to sort out, but I'll try and fit in a ride somehow. I am really looking forward to catching up with everybody at Crescent Fixi Suzuki and getting back to to the racetrack. I've missed it, but I feel ready and raring to go."
