Hopkins dislocates hip in Assen fall

John Hopkins has been diagnosed with a dislocated hip after crashing heavily in the opening free practice session of the weekend at Assen.

The American, making his second WSBK appearance for Stiggy Racing this weekend, high-sided on only his fourth lap around the circuit, the accident prompting a red flag while Hopkins was taken to the medical centre.

Transferred to a local hospital for medical checks, it has since become apparent that Hopkins has dislocated his hip, potentially ruling him out for the remainder of the race weekend.

So far, however, the team have only confirmed that he will miss the first qualification session later today.

Hopkins is no stranger to injury around the Assen circuit having been forced to miss last year's Dutch TT when he suffered leg and ankle fractures following a massive accident during qualifying. The injuries ruled him out of MotoGP competition for the next three races.