Rizla Suzuki MotoGP racer John Hopkins has been evaluated by an orthopaedic specialist in England following his heavy crash in Qatar on Thursday, with encouraging results. Following the 190+km/h crash, initial reports were of several injuries, but following a thorough assessment, Hopkins has a fracture in the second toe of his right foot, some damage to both hands and acute bumps and bruises over his whole body. The Anglo-American will undertake intensive physiotherapy work in Great Britain with Team Physio Dean Miller this week and will join Rizla Suzuki MotoGP at Jerez in Spain for the second Official MotoGP Test starting on Friday. It is not yet known whether he will be fit enough to ride. Hopkins will continue to be assessed by Miller and the Rizla Suzuki rider will continue with his convalescence over the next couple of weeks to guarantee that he is fit enough to take his place on the grid for the first round of the season at Losail in Qatar on Saturday March 10th. Dean Miller Team Physio: “John was re-evaluated in the United Kingdom on Friday February 16th. The fracture to the right second toe is confirmed. John saw an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in wrist and hand injuries and further evaluative X-rays were negative for any additional complications. The bumps and bruises and the sprain/ strain injuries to the soft tissue areas of the hands, wrists, arms and overall body are of some concern. John will rest and recuperate over the next few days and join the Team in Jerez this week. We do not know as yet whether he will be fit to ride in the test because the main aim of John, Suzuki and myself is that he will be 100% fit for the first round of the season at Qatar next month.”
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