Catalunya MotoGP: John Hopkins facing fitness test

American John Hopkins is a major doubt for Sunday’s Catalunya GP after he suffered back injuries in a big crash in today’s second free practice session.

Hopkins was on his seventh lap lost the front of his factory Kawasaki ZX-RR in the second part of the chicane. He managed to hold the bike up with hs left knee but then lost rear grip as he was flicked over the handlebars.

Hopkins landed heavily on his back and needed to be stretchered away from trackside to undergo lengthy treatement in the Clinica Mobile.

He will undergo a fitness test tomorrow morning before doctors decide whether to let him continue riding.

The 25-year-old said: “The front tucked in turn two. When I gave it some gas to pick the bike up the rear came round on me and spat me over the highside. I landed heavily on my back and it was painful enough to stop me riding again during the session.

“I had the injury checked out but they have insisted that I undergo another examination tomorrow before they pass me fit to ride. If I’m allowed to ride then my back is going to be sore, but I’ll have to grit my teeth.”