Veteran MotoGP rider Jeremy McWilliams is in upbeat mood in hospital in Jerez after his fall during the final day of MotoGP testing on Thursday.

The 42-year-old, who was testing the Ilmor X3 along with Andrew Pitt at the Spanish circuit, sustained multiple injuries in the fall at turn four including a fracture to his left femur and a suspected fractured collarbone.

“It was very fast and I took a bit of a tumble,” McWilliams, who is looking to secure a grand prix comeback with the new team, said. “The doctors here in Jerez have been great and they tell me that my leg fracture is really clean, it should take four to five weeks to heal – then I'll be walking and able to take exercise again. I need to have an operation to have it pinned so I'll be having that as soon as they have time to fit me in.

“Apparently I also have a broken collarbone but it doesn't feel like it to me. Oh and I will lose a part of one of my fingers but as I keep telling people, I broke that one before and it wasn't much use to me anyway!”

McWilliams went out on turn 4 at the Jerez circuit early yesterday afternoon on the third and final day of the official test. Initial data reports from the X³ show nothing to suggest a mechanical error.

Team owner Mario Illien said he was happy with the news that McWilliams wasn't too seriously injured, adding that it has been a good test for the team – aside from the accident.

“First and foremost I'm pleased that it seems there will be no lasting damage to Jeremy, of course we want to get to the nature of the cause of the incident as soon as possible and I know the team are analysing data and footage from the crash now,” he said. “Prior to yesterday afternoon, both our test riders McWilliams and Pitt had done a sterling job providing us with superb feedback on the bike allowing the team to adjust the bike's set up and improve on the overall performance.

“With the exception of yesterday's accident it has been a good test for us, we're making progress. I would like to take this opportunity to wish Jeremy a very speedy recovery and I'm delighted, if a little shocked to hear him say he's looking forward to getting back out on the X3!”