FGSport and MSVR have released the following brief statement regarding the condition of Craig Jones, who suffered a huge accident whilst battling for the lead of Sunday's World Supersport race at Brands Hatch (see separate story):

"During the FIM Supersport World Championship race at Brands Hatch today, rider Craig Jones (Team Parkalgar Honda) crashed at Clark Curve and appeared to be struck by a following rider, sustaining a serious head injury. The race was immediately stopped.

"Craig was initially treated at the scene by the MSVR Medical Team, and was then transferred to the Circuit Medical Centre for further assessment and treatment before being flown by the Kent Air Ambulance to the Royal London Hospital, which is the leading trauma centre in region.

"Further information will be released when available."

Parkalgar Honda team manager Simon Buckmaster confirmed the serious nature of the injury and added that Jones has now been placed in a pharmacological coma.

"Craig was treated trackside by the medical staff before being transferred by air-ambulance to the Royal London Hospital," he said.

"He has a serious head injury and the doctors have placed him in a pharmacological coma to stabilise his condition. We will not know any more for at least 24 or 48-hours - all our thoughts are with him and his family.

"I would like to thank the medical staff for their attention and also the well-wishers for their thoughts. We shall update the news on Craig's condition as and when we can."