Fortunately for the three riders involved in this horrific pile up at turn two on the opening lap of Race 1 at Nurburgring, all came out with minor injuries.

John Hopkins was was hit from behind and high siding wiped out both Kawasaki riders, Makoto Tamada and Broc Parkes. Hopkins was then run over by Vittorio Iannuzzo of Squadra Corse Italia who could not avoid the Stiggy Honda rider laying on the track. Both Hopkins and Tamada were taken to the local hospital and treated for slight concussions.

John Hopkins:

“I ran a bit wide coming out of turn one and then got hit from behind in the second turn and high-sided into Broc Parkes. I was unconscious for 10 minutes before waking up in the ambulance. A bike ran over my chest, but apart from that I have no serious injuries. I just hope my luck will turn around soon.”

Tamada was released almost immediately and wanted to take part in Race 2, but the race track medical commission declared the Japanese rider unfit to ride.

Makoto Tamada:

“I didn’t suffer any serious injuries but knocked my head a little. I was taken to hospital for precaution and further tests and was hoping that I could make a full restart for race two but this wasn’t to be despite me feeling OK. I was declared unfit by the doctor so had to watch the race from the garage which was really disappointing for me and the team as they worked really hard to repair my bikes in time for race two. All I can say is that I’m looking forward to some better luck for the Imola race in a few weeks time.”

Broc Parkes did not suffer any injuries in the melee and took part in the re-started race but DNF’d, while in race 2 finished in 13th place.

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