John Hopkins jumps back in the saddle this weekend for the Czech round of MotoGP at Brno as he embarks on his first race since the British Grand Prix at Donington Park back in June.

Replaced by Jamie Hacking for the last round at Laguna Seca, Hopkins's comeback trail also coincides with his return to the scene of his finest result in MotoGP when he finished second for Suzuki last season.

Now almost fully recovered from the knee injury he suffered in a crash during practice for the Dutch TT at Assen, while Hopkins has not straddled his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR since, he is confident it won't cause him too many problems at Brno.

"I'm feeling pretty good now, and I'm anxious to get back on track. I've now got full movement back in the injured knee and it's been fine during my training regime up to now. I don't think it's going to cause me any problems on the bike, but it's been almost seven weeks since I've thrown a leg over the Ninja ZX-RR, so I won't know for sure until we start free practice on Friday.

“Brno is a track I like a lot, and I believe it's the MotoGP track I've ridden most frequently in my career, which means I know the place like the back of my hand. Also, our Bridgestone tyres work well at this track, and this combined with the new parts that Kawasaki are bringing to the Czech Grand Prix means we've got some positive things to work with.

“Even though the rehab at home with family and friends has been enjoyable, I am really looking forward to seeing the team, getting back on the bike and finding again the total mental focus necessary for the best possible result this weekend."