Misano MotoGP: Rib injury concern for John Hopkins

John Hopkins missed this morning’s opening free practice session in Misano with the on-going rib injury he picked up earlier this month in the Czech Republic.

The injury-hit American woke in considerable pain this morning having displaced the rib again overnight, and he needed further treatment with personal physio Dean Miller.

It was decided not to give Hopkins any injections so close to this morning’s opening session but he plans to ride in this afternoon’s second session.

A Kawasaki spokesman said: “The injury to John’s rib, while not a big injury, is incredibly painful. It was decided he should sit out this morning to undergo further treatment but he definitely plans to ride this afternoon.”

Hopkins’ rib problem adds to a long injury list in his maiden campaign for Kawasaki’s factory team.

He suffered a fractured hip during pre-season and then broke a bone in his back in Barcelona. He then suffered multiple leg injuries in a qualifying crash in Assen at the end of June.