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Hopkins unfit for testing in Jerez

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LONDON, England -- American MotoGP rider John Hopkins was ruled out of the final pre-season test in Jerez starting on Friday after crashing heavily in Qatar last week.

The official MotoGP Web site said Hopkins would not appear on track at the Spanish circuit. Instead, the Suzuki rider would travel back to Britain on Sunday to continue his rehabilitation.

The 23-year-old fractured a toe in his right foot and suffered some damage to his hands, as well as extensive bruising, from the 190kph fall.

He is expected to be fit in time for the season-opener in Qatar on March 10.

Suzuki have high hopes for the season with Hopkins and Australian Chris Vermeulen.

The team presented their new GSV-R800 bike on Thursday evening in Jerez, hailing it as their best so far.

"John and Chris have performed well over the winter and their fitness levels are superb," said team manager Paul Denning.

"They both have to learn the fine art of competing to win at MotoGP level but this is a bike that will allow them to take that next step."

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