John Hopkins is confident his shoulder injury will not present him with any problems this weekend when he resumes his BSB title challenge at Snetterton.
The American left Knockhill with a fractured collarbone joint but has responded well to treatment and was even fit enough to test on the Norfolk circuit's new 300 layout for the first time last week.
A visit to the MotoGP paddock for the Dutch TT has also proven beneficial and Hopkins is targeting another strong weekend as he chases series leader Shane Byrne.
“I’m looking to score a lot of points and net a lot of podium credits this weekend. My shoulder injury from Knockhill, while not completely healed, will not bother me. I went to the Clinica Mobile at the Dutch GP at the weekend and after the laser treatment and expert physio I’m in great shape.”
Last week's test gave Hopkins a taste of the new Snetterton layout, and the 28 year old was impressed with the configuration and the way the GSX-R1000 handled around the 4.811km circuit.
“We tested here at Snetterton 300 last Tuesday and I like the track. It’s the usual job of joining the dots to make the lap flow and there’s a lot happening in the first half of the lap; there’s lots to consider – it’ll be a busy weekend. But the bike felt great and I’ve got a good feel for what’s to come.”
Samsung Crescent Racing team manager Jack Valentine was delighted to see the speed of Hopkins' recovery, and is expecting his star rider to be in contention at the front of the field this weekend.
“Hopper’s reporting his shoulder’s feeling much stronger and is now comfortable given the rest and the work the Clinica Mobile people did on it. I’m sure he’ll be on the pace and grabbing a good number of points and podium credits this weekend.”