MotoGP: Hopkins Injured In Crash

Right After Posting His Quickest Lap Time in Qatar, Hopper Taken To Hospital After Hi-side

Feb 15, 2007

Halfway through the final day of testing, John Hopkins high-sided after posting up one of his fastest lap times thus far in testing at Qatar and is taken to the hospital.

Fears of broken bones in his hand and foot are circulating in the Rizla clubhouse. I heard from an inside source that while John is basically OK, he will be taken to a hospital in England to see a specialist.

John Hopkins: “I’m feeling pretty beat up at the moment – a 120mph high-side does that to you! I’ve got bruises on all four limbs and a couple of broken bones. I’m flying straight back to England to see a specialist first thing tomorrow, and then we’ll know a bit more about the injuries. It was a sad way to end the test because we had made good progress here. I am quite happy with the way the three days went and we got through everything we needed to before the crash. I’m sure we’ll be in a good position when we come back here in about three weeks and I’ll certainly be at the first race – just try and stop me!”

In the final day of testing at Qatar, John Hopkins, after the midday crash, was able to hold on to the second fastest lap of 1'55.825, behind Danny Pedrosa's Repsol Honda with a lap time of 1'55.471.

MotoGP Official Test: Qatar

Day 3 Official Times

1. Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda - 1'55.471

2. John Hopkins, Rizla Suzuki - 1'55.825

3. Valentino Rossi, Yamaha Factory - 1'55.954

4. Alex Hofmann, Pramac d'Antin - 1'56.315

5. Colin Edwards, Yamaha Factory - 1'56.371

6. Randy de Puniet, Kawasaki Racing - 1'56.753

7. Loris Capirossi, Ducati Marlboro - 1'56.807

8. Casey Stoner, Ducati Marlboro - 1'56.834

9. Alex Barros, Pramac d'Antin - 1'56.950

10. Marco Melandri, Honda Gresini - 1'56.980