Hopper ready for return to action
Added on Thursday, August 14th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
Hopper ready for return to action
John Hopkins returns to action this weekend in Brno after three rounds on the sidelines and is relishing the opportunity to get back to what he knows best.
The American hasn’t featured in MotoGP action since a practice crash kept him out of the Assen TT back in June with a leg fracture, forcing him to miss the resulting Grand Prix’s in Germany and the USA.
But the 25-year-old returns to action this weekend and is more than ready to get back on the bike.
“I’m feeling pretty good now, and I’m anxious to get back on track,” said Hopkins.
“I’ve now got full movement back in the injured knee and it’s been fine during my training regime up to now. I don’t think it’s going to cause me any problems on the bike, but it’s been almost seven weeks since I’ve thrown a leg over the Ninja ZX-RR, so I won’t know for sure until we start free practice on Friday.
Hopkins also added that his familiarity with the Czech Republic circuit could help him on the road to recovery.
“Brno is a track I like a lot, and I believe it’s the MotoGP track I’ve ridden most frequently in my career, which means I know the place like the back of my hand,” he added. “Also, our Bridgestone tyres work well at this track, and this combined with the new parts that Kawasaki are bringing to the Czech Grand Prix means we’ve got some positive things to work with.
“Even though the rehab at home with family and friends has been enjoyable, I am really looking forward to seeing the team, getting back on the bike and finding again the total mental focus necessary for the best possible result this weekend.”
