Suzuki MotoGP rider John Hopkins is recovering from surgery on both ankles, after being injured during a practice ꧂session for the💟 Suzuki Crossover Challenge, held during the AMA THQ Supercross Series race at San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium on Saturday.

Hopkins came up short on a jump and injured both ankles, requiring orthopaedic surgeon Dr Arthur Ting to perform surgery to speed his recovery ahe𒆙ad of the build-up to the new MotoGP season. The American rider is expected to be𓆏 walking within two or three days, and will be able resume his cardio-vascular training on a bicycle next week.

"It was an unfortunate i꧂ncident," Hopkins said, "I practice motocross riding almost everyday - it's a big part of my training. I thought it would be fun to participate in this exhibition race sponsored by Suzuki in my hometo🥃wn area. But I feel bad for my team, since this could potentially keep me from a couple of tests. It's certainly been a learning experience."

Hopkins plans to return to testing as soon as possible, and anticipates being 100 per cen🌠t recovered in time for the upcoming test in Phillip Island on 23 February. The Californian has until the MotoGP season-opener in South Aꦓfrica on 18 April to get fully race-fit.