For John 'Hopper' Hopkins 2012 should be the year he embarks on his real SBK career even though he cannot be thought of as a rookie, having been a Stiggy Honda rider back in 2009.

Injury has played a part in his career at key times in the past and this season will start in a similar way, with John having had the top two knuckles of the fourth finger on his right (throttle) hand amputated, after several operations to try and save the finger. For some riders this would be a blow to their confidence with the season only a month or so away, but Hopper's comments about this situation say a lot about the way he has rebuilt a positive outlook on racing and life in general in recent times.

"I have been keeping the injury clean and so on, so there is no infection," affirmed Hopkins from his home in the USA. "It is going to be a little different feeling, probably a bit awkward, when I get on the bike for the first time. But the fact that it is the fourth finger means it is probably the least used, as far as gripping the bars, braking and throttle is concerned. It is something I will have to get used to but I do not think it will affect me tremendously. When I get used to it, I think it will be good."

Part of the reason why Hopkins is so motivated for 2012 is the fact that he proved he was back to being a truly potent force after coming so close to winning in BSB in 2011 for Suzuki. That and the facts that he will now take on the might of the SBK entry with his existing team, an updated version of a bike he knows well and with the support of legendary tuning house Yoshimura, who will supply engines for himself and his team-mate Leon Camier.

"I am very much looking forward to this year and we are going to have as good a chance as anyone," said Hopkins, unequivocally. "I get along really well with the team, the bike seems really good, and I feel a whole lot better within myself - personally, mentally, with my fitness, everything. I feel a lot better on the Suzuki than I ever did on '09 on the Stiggy bike. I was injured still then, and it was just not a good time for me, but I feel a lot better. More motivated and hungry to go out and fight for the win."

Hopkins does not, of course, underestimate the level and depth of competition he is about to face in 2012, stating, "I am back in a World Championship and it is no means going to be easy. There is a lot of stiff competition out there with all the guys that are riding."

Hopkins had his stitches removed on 26th January, and said via his twitter page, "YES!!! Stitches have finally been removed, wounds have almost healed and its time to do some riding..."