Alvaro Bautista will not be racing in this Sunday's opening race for the 2011 MotoGP season. Bautista suffered a big crash during the third free practice session of the MotoGP, and broke his left femur.
"Bautista landed heavily after high-siding at turn 15 and immediately looked in some serious discomfort," said Rizla Suzuki in a press release. "He was instantly taken to the circuit's superb medical facilities and examined by members of the Clinica Mobile. After a thorough examination, and some x-rays, he was diagnosed with a break to his left femur which will need to be pinned."
Bautista is the sole rider for Suzuki this year, so with him currently out with an injury, it is likely that no one will be representing Suzuki on Sunday. John Hopkins is Suzuki's backup rider, and it's possible that he makes the trek for America this weekend to compete on Sunday.
Hopkins hasn't had much time with Suzuki's MotoGP bike. He rode the bike last weekend for a few photo shoots, but could use this weekend as a time to get acquainted with the Rizla Suzuki team.
Hopkins was expected to race in the British Superbike series this year with Suzuki, but would be the logical choice if Rizla is forced to replace Bautista on the grid.
