Hopkins Questionable for Racing at Brno

Despite being 6th fastest in today’s World Superbike testing at Imola, Italy, John Hopkins may not be at Brno in two weeks, when WSBK takes up racing again. After yesterday’s off, Hopkins was in pain through out the night, and after this mornings testing session, the American had some X-rays taken of his leg.

After looking at the results of his X-ray, doctors here in the US determined that Hopkin’s bones were not developing calcium deposits properly, and diagnosed him with osteoporosis. This finding leaves some doubt as to whether Hopper will be on his Honda at Brno, since a crash there would likely have dire consequences on his body in its current state.

The WSBK ranks were diminished further today as Max Neukirchner fractured a vertabre in his back after high-siding on the Imola circuit. Hoping to make a comeback into WSBK, Neukirchner will have to spend some time laid up in a cast in order to heal. His return to WSBK this season remains doubtful, but with motorcycle racers you can never know.

The rest of the second day of testing at Imola saw Johnny Rea take the top spot on the leaderboard, still followed by Michel Fabrizio and Ben Spies.

Combined times from Day 1 and Day 2 of World Superbike testing at Imola, Italy: