JOHN HOPKINS will make his return to MotoGP after almost seven weeks away from the racetrack at this weekend's Czech Republic Grand Prix at Brno.
The 25-year-old Anglo-American fractured his left leg in a high-speed qualifying crash during the Dutch TT but has been working hard over the past month on his fitness.
Hopkins' rehabilitation and training schedule has been aimed at strengthening his injured leg during the summer break. A combination of physio and cycling has helped the Kawasaki star return to racing fitness. He said:
"I'm feeling pretty good now, and I'm anxious to get back on track. 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. 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.
"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."
Both Hopkins and his team-mate Anthony West will race the evolution version of the Ninja ZX-RR engine for the first time at Brno.
