Fixi Suzuki's John Hopkins will not race for the whole of 2013 in order to sort out the hip injury which has blighted his season since he damaged it at the Monza round and then he will make a decision on the future.

The former MotoGP star could be staring down the barrel of a hip replacement operation but says he wants to get back to fitness before committing to a team for another full season.

“I have really struggled with my hip since the crash at Monza and I know that it is a priority to get my health sorted before I can even think about racing again. I didn’t want to pledge myself to the FIXI Crescent Suzuki team for 2013 and then not be able to give 100 per cent because the injury is a constant worry, so although this is a difficult decision it is the correct one," said Hopkins.

"I will be going back to America for a bunch of tests and then we’ll decide what the best course of action is. If that is a hip replacement or something similar, then that is what I am prepared to do to make sure I can get my health and fitness back. At the moment the injury is influencing everything I do in my home, personal and racing life, so I need to get it sorted out properly.

"I still have the desire and passion to race against the world’s best riders but every time I have pumped myself up to go for it this season, the hip has quickly and painfully reminded me that I need to be careful – and that’s no way to go racing.

“Everyone at the team has been very supportive this year, because they know what I’ve been through, so I want to send my thanks to them for all their encouragement and backing. I’d like to also thank all the racing fans and my personal sponsors - in particular Arai, Alpinestars and Monster who have been with me for so long - they have all been so positively behind me, I’m sorry that it’s not worked out this year, but I really do hope to be back!”