Extremely popular with the public thanks to his simplicity, his outspokenness, his eccentricities ("à la Anthony Gobert") and his talent on the track, the American from Ramona unfortunately cannot continue his participation in the British Championship due to a injured knee.
John participated in 7 full seasons in MotoGP, from 2002 on a WCM Yamaha, until 2008 on an official Kawasaki, with 5 seasons in between Suzuki factory. We saw him again in MotoGP only once afterwards, at the Spanish GP in 2011, replacingAlvaro Bautista flat rate.
“Hopper’s” best result was achieved in Brno in 2007 with second position. The same year he finished third in China, Misano and in Valencia, which allowed him to place fourth in the World Championship.
John will not compete in the 2018 British Superbike Championship as injuries he suffered in a crash at Brands Hatch last year proved more complicated than first thought. The former Moto Rapido Ducati rider crashed into the Paddock Hill airfences during qualifying, resulting in a long stay in a London hospital before being able to return to California. The American had hoped to be in the race again this year, but that is not the case. “ Although I was eventually able to bear weight, I unfortunately had complications with my right knee – tissue damage and excess scar tissue in the joint "Hopkins said.
“Even more operations may be required and unfortunately I still have a long way to go to fully recover, which means I will miss the start of the 2018 season.”
“I am 100% motivated and doing everything in my power to ensure a full recovery. Thank you to all friends, family, fans and sponsors for their continued support. »
Source: bikesportnews.com
