Melandri, never lower than third all weekend, had just set the second fastest time - behind Casey Stoner - when Roberts appeared to slow unexpectedly ahead of him. The Italian swerved but clipped the back of the American and was sent spearing off-track at high speed.

With the air fence fast approaching, the Honda Gresini rider jumped from his RC212V and was sent into a sickening tumble before coming to a rest. The triple 2006 race winner was immediately attended to at trackside and later gave the thumbs-up as he was carried away on a stretcher.

Melandri's regular team-mate Toni Elias is currently out of action with a broken femur.