Rumours currently pinging their way around the Assen World Superbike paddock firmly place former Alstare Suzuki man Fonsi Nieto in John Hopkins' chair at Stiggy Honda for next round at Monza.

Hopkins has flown home to America to undergo treatment by the famous Dr Ting for his dislocated hip and injured femur sustained in a massive highside after just four laps of free practice on Friday.

It is believed that Stiggy Honda boss Johan Stigefelt has been on the phone to Nieto, who  doesn't have a ride anywhere this season, in order to wheel him in for the Italian round and possibly Kyalami if Hopkins isn't fully recovered.