Hopkins recovers from surgery.

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 ahead of the build-up to the new MotoGP season. The American rider is expected to be walking within two or three days, and will be able resume his cardio-vascular training on a bicycle next week.

"It was an unfortunate incident," 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 hometown 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 cent recovered in time for the upcoming test in Phillip Island on 23 February. The Californian has until the MotoGP season-opener in South Africa on 18 April to get fully race-fit.