2012 World Superbike
Following his crash during a wildcard ride with Rizla Suzuki at 2011 Brno MotoGP, the American John Hopkins underwent multiple surgeries to repair serious injury to his throttle hand’s middle finger.
But after further consultation with doctors, the Crescent Suzuki World Superbike pilot underwent successful surgery Friday to have the top of the finger amputated. Due to the operation, the injury won’t affect Hopkins start in 2012 World Superbike, which begins at Phillip Island, Australia, Feb. 26.
During the operation, surgeons in California removed "part of the finger up to the first knuckle," Suzuki Racing reports. Following 10 days, Hopkins will begin physiotherapy to regain full use of his hand before the 2012 WSBK season begins.
John Hopkins (Crescent Suzuki GSX-R 1000 Superbike) says: "I went to see my doctor for a progress report and the news was not great. It’s never good news when you have to lose a body part, but this was the best scenario all round because otherwise the situation could’ve dragged on for some time, with not necessarily a better result in the end.
"Apart from the actual pain of the surgery, I must say that it’s feeling better already. I now have about 10 days when I cannot do any physio, but then I can start again. This is a bit of a setback, but really not too bad because I have been training and getting fit for some time now, so my base level is very good. I’ll be able to train fully again soon and be able to get on a bike in three weeks, so I’m sure I’ll be ok for our first tests in Australia.
"I know the bike well and I’ve raced at Phillip Island before, so at least I will not be starting from scratch. Our GSX-R1000 has a very good base setting and I am confident that we’re not going to be struggling at the start. The level of competition is tough for sure, but I think we’re going to be competitive right from the start."
