“My wrist is still painful, but there was no way I was going to have an operation! I would have been out for about six weeks and every race is so important that I can’t afford to miss any. I will have my wrist taped up and once I’m out on the bike the adrenalin will kick in and it should all be OK. I think that at Jerez last time out I could have made the podium, if I hadn’t have crashed, so I need to get my head down and keep aiming for that goal”, said Hopkins.
The 23-year old American crashed out of the Spanish Grand Prix 2 weeks ago, after trying to overtake reigning champion Nicky Hayden for 4th. His maneuver in the Pons Corner proved to be decisive, since Hopkins lost control of his bike and was thrown out in the sand. The Suzuki rider didn't give up and re-entered the race, but only managed to cross the finish line in 19th place.
Despite the fact that he's still recovering from his injury, the 23-year old American is very keen to continue his great form this season. If it hadn't been for that unfortunate incident at Jerez, Hopkins would have probably secured a second 4th place in 2 races. The Suzuki rider got off to a great start in 2007 as he managed a great run in season's opener at Losail. He then trailed Repsol Honda's Dani Pedrosa for 3rd for most of the time, but had to settle for 4th at the finish line.
Hopkins' crash at Jerez threw him all the way into 9th in Riders Point Standings (13), as he failed to add any points to his 4th place in Qatar. The American should have one more reason to compete at Istanbul, since he only scored one point on his previous 2 visits in Turkey (15th place in 2005 and 17th place in 2006).
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