Former MotoGP and MCE British Superbike star John Hopkins will make a return to the championship at the Brands Hatch round as he stands in for the injured Jakub Smrz at Lloyds British Moto Rapido Ducati.

The British-born Californian hasn’t raced competitively this year after options he had in World Superbikes over the winter didn’t come to fruition but he was first on the list of replacements for Smrz, who is out for both this weekend’s Knockhill round and the following meeting in Kent.

Smrz broke his thumb in a collision with Victor Cox at Snetterton and, after flying directly home to the Czech Republic, was advised by medics not to race for at least a month, so team boss Steve Moore managed to secure Hopkins as a stand-in.

“I am really excited about this opportunity to be honest, especially because it feels like it’s been a long time coming! After my race plans fell through before the start of the season I was left with nothing and so from then on I have been pretty much playing a waiting game. I have been to some of the races and I have followed the others at home, but I have been doing everything I possibly can to be ready for an opportunity like this to come,” said Hopkins.

“For sure it’s been frustrating waiting but I looked at my career and decided straight away it couldn’t end as it did in 2014 and because of that I am more motivated than ever to prove I have more. This is the moment I want to resurrect myself and show what I can still do. This is a great opportunity for me to prove this. I am sorry for Jakub that he is injured, but I intend on doing my best to do him, myself and the team proud.

“I have a lot of memories of Brands Hatch and nobody can forget the famous end to 2011 can they?! It has always been a great circuit for me and I know I can enjoy it - the track knowledge there will definitely help me especially with my limited knowledge of this bike. The team and Kuba have proven that the bike is competitive this season and despite having never ridden a Ducati before, I think it should suit my riding style.

“I am really motivated to go out and do the best job I possibly can and I think that should mean aiming for a result well inside the top ten. I am not saying it’s that easy because the level of competition in the championship this year is incredible. I feel excited that I can finally get back on track, especially as the support I have had from the British fans continues to be amazing. I am feeling really positive right now and I want to repay everyone for their faith and support by putting on one hell of a good show at Brands Hatch.”