Hopkins Hoping For Imola Round

Cycle News Staff | February 17, 2012

Crescent Fixi Suzuki’s John Hopkins is definitely out of next weekend’s opening round of the World Superbike Championship with the Californian being replaced by Aussie Josh Brookes. Hopkins is hoping to be fit for the Imola round of the series on April 1.

Hopkins, who broke his hand in a highside crash on the opening day of the team’s three-day practice session at Phillip Island on Monday, has been undergoing daily treatment in San Diego, California, and is expected to undero surgery next week.

Said Crescent Fixi Suzuki Team Manager Jack Valentine: “John’s having regular hyperbaric chamber-treatment to get the swelling down before having surgery early next week. Therefore he will definitely miss the opening round here at Phillip Island. But the good news is that he will be fit for Imola.”