From a press release issued by Alex Hofmann’s publicist: German rider Alex Hofmann has this week undergone successful surgery to remove a titanium plate and 15 screws from his left hand, after an accident during free practice for the United States Grand Prix at Laguna Seca last July. The metal work was removed from the 2nd metacarpus bone by Dr. Hartl at the Munich’s Orthzentrum, having originally been inserted by Dr. Ting during the GP eight months ago, and now leaves Hofmann facing a three-week recuperation time. The Switzerland-based rider was forced to watch the season-opening Qatar MotoGP in front of the television having not been able to secure a competitive ride for the new season after four permanent years riding in the premier class, but has since embarked on a new challenge as test rider for Aprilia. The Italian based factory recently launched the all new Aprilia Superbike at Milan, and confirmed its intention to line up in the 2009 World Superbike arena. Pictures of Alex Hofmann testing the new RSV-4 prototype have already circulated in the media with some speculating that the famous #66, that has become the Alex’s trade mark in Grand Prix racing over the past years, will appear on one of the Italian factory bikes for the 2009 line up. “These have been pretty hard times for a racer like me” said Hofmann after his surgery. “First I had to sit out and watch the start of the new MotoGP season in front of my TV and then head straight to Munich for surgery. Overall I am happier now that the final bad memories of my screwed up last season are now lying next to me on the table. The doc told me to take it easy on my hand for the next 3 weeks and I will go through the usual intensive physiotherapy. Still, it is amazing how much medicine has advanced these days and I sure my hand will be like new in a few weeks. I was a little worried that day in Laguna Seca sitting in the gravel at Corkscrew” Speaking about his 2008 plans, Hofmann added: “It looks like I won’t be competing in any races this year, but my new job with Aprilia is an exciting new challenge for me. My bones have suffered a bit over the last years and I guess a year of testing will do them some good! I will use the given time to take care of myself and refill my batteries so I am ready to fight back as soon as possible. I want to be back world championship racing in 2009, whether in MotoGP or WSBK. My aim is to line up with a team that gives me the chance to perform out there and fight for the top spots, which I believe I am capable of. I have learned my lessons and believe it best to wait for the right opportunity … !” Alex Hofmann will resume testing for Aprilia in April in Italy.