Hopkins determined to come back stronger

Saturday, 19 July 2008

With his comeback from injury scheduled for Brno in the middle of August John Hopkins will begin fitness training next week, following his recent knee and ankle surgery.

Kawasaki Racing´s injured Anglo-American MotoGP star John Hopkins is a frustrated spectator at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix and the experience of watching on during his home race weekend at Laguna Seca is motivating him to come back at 100% next time out in Brno.

The 25 year-old damaged his knee and fractured bones in his leg in a high-speed crash at Assen at the end of June and less than two weeks ago was operated on by renowned surgeon Dr Art Ting to assist the healing process.

Speaking to motogp.com on Saturday in the paddock at the Californian circuit Hopkins commented, `I saw the doctor earlier this week and he said everything is healing up really well. I had to get all the cartilage stitched back up in my knee and a plate and some screws put in my ankle, but I think this a well-needed break.´

`I am just taking my time, clearing my head and letting my back injury heal up a bit better. I´ve been at home, I´m in California and it´s good. I want to come back a lot stronger and more focussed for Brno.´

On missing riding at his home event this weekend the Kawasaki man added, `It is a shame because I would love to be riding in front of my home fans. I´m getting a lot of support, people are wishing me well and that is good. It is good to be here helping Anthony (West) and Jamie (Hacking), but I wish I was out there.´