Fixi Suzuki's John Hopkins will get his 2012 World Superbike campaign under way ay Imola this weekend after being given the all-clear by doctors to take part in the Italian meeting.

Hopkins is now fully healed after breaking bones in his hand during a pre-season test crash at Phillip Island. The former wildchild has been undergoing therapy in a hyperbaric chamber as well as the usual physiotherapy is says he is now ready for track action.

“I am so pleased to get the all-clear and cannot wait to get on the bike again. I had been given strict instructions not to do any riding this week, which has been a bit frustrating, but I have occupied my time well with physiotherapy, training and numerous spells in the hyperbaric chamber. All of this has helped me to recover quickly and I have no doubt that I will be as fit as can be in Imola. It’s been very busy recently," said Hopkins.

"On Tuesday, I was in the hyperbaric chamber and then drove three hours each way to see my nutrition doctor in Palm Springs. Before that I have really been putting in the hours on my mountain bike and also on the cardio machines in the gym. I am really happy with my hand, how well it has been healing and the range of movement I have got. When I saw the doc on Wednesday, he told me that the bone was fully healed and everything was OK and I could start riding again!

"I’m hoping to get on my dirt bike before leaving for UK on Saturday, but I have just sold my house and there’s loads of stuff to sort out, but I’ll try and fit in a ride somehow. I am really looking forward to catching up with everybody at Crescent Fixi Suzuki and getting back to to the racetrack. I’ve missed it, but I feel ready and raring to go.”