Kawasaki's John Hopkins is on the way home to undergo further surgery on the leg that has been causing him pain since a practice crash at Assen halfway through this season.

Hopper, who has just finished two days' testing at Phillip Island, will go under the knife to remove the metal plates from his left foot, ankle and hand that have caused him so many problems this season.

The 25-year-old Anglo-American will then spend four weeks recuperating from the operation, before starting a punishing fitness regime to ensure he is fighting fit ahead of Kawasaki's pre-season test programme.
 
"I'll have surgery on Wednesday to remove all the metal from my various injuries. As well as taking the plates out of my left foot and ankle, Doctor Ting will also remove the plate I've had in my left hand for the past three years. I'll be about two kilograms lighter! My plan is to take it easy after the surgery, to make sure I'm fully recovered, and then train my butt off ready for the new season," said Hopkins