I expect injured Todd to race at NW200 - Hickman

Peter Hickman says he expects his 8TEN Racing team-mate Davey Todd to be fit to race at the North West 200 road race in May.

English rider Todd broke his femur in a qualifying crash for the Daytona 200 in Florida in March.

The 30-year-old also sustained multiple injuries, including a broken femur, tibia, foot and nose and he had surgery in the USA.

Speaking in an Instagram post in March, Todd said he could not put "an ETA" on when he would return to action, but Hickman said on Wednesday that he was "doing really well" and "I expect to see him on the grid at the North West", which takes place from 6-9 May.

The North West 200 road race takes place two weeks before the Isle of Man TT, at which Todd is a three-time race winner.

"He's been over at Formula Medicine in Italy, who deal with a lot of MotoGP riders and Formula 1 drivers," Hickman told BBC Sport NI.

"They do not only do fitness but rehabilitation, which is exactly what Davey needs.

"He was walking unaided within five weeks, which was pretty impressive.

"He's doing really well and the idea is he'll be at the North West."

• Todd a doubt for North West 200 with broken femur

Hickman said Todd had been working "really, really hard" at his recovery, and he was determined to get back on a bike as soon as possible.

"All of us racers are very strong minded and Davey is no different," Hickman added.

"He has been working really, really hard at it. He has the best people around him and he is super-determined, so I expect to see him on the grid at the North West."

Hickman was at Oulton Park testing ahead of the new British Superbike season, which begins at the Cheshire Circuit from 2-4 May before the North West 200 opens the international road racing season.

After the second round of the season at Donington Park, Hickman and 8TEN Racing will head to race at the Isle of Man TT.

"The start of the season comes around fast and then it is one thing after another.