MotoGP rookie
Jorge Lorenzo, who fractured both ankles during a huge highside at Shanghai on May 2, has been ruled out of the remainder of this weekend's Catalan Grand Prix after sustaining further injuries during a heavy Friday afternoon fall.
The Estoril race winner, who sits third in the world championship standings - 28 points behind team-mate
Valentino Rossi - lost control of his M1 at 130km/h through the penultimate right-hand turn after just nine minutes of the afternoon hour.
The Fiat Yamaha rider hit the ground hard on his back before sustaining further blows as he tumbled end-over-end through the gravel.
Lorenzo was initially taken to the Clinica Mobile - where it was at least confirmed that no further damage has been done to his ankles - but further checks at a hospital in Barcelona confirmed new head and hand injuries.
Doctor Xavier Mir of the University Institut Dexeus in Barcelona gave the following statement:
"I can confirm that Lorenzo will not be able to compete this weekend after the tests done here at the Institut Dexeus have confirmed the following injuries:
"1. He suffered head trauma and lost consciousness. We made a neurological examination with a CAT scan and an MRI scan and from this we can confirm that there is no cranial haemotoma or haemorrage. However, he now needs to stay under observation for between 48 and 72 hours to see how this develops.
"2. He sustained an injury to the 4th and 5th finger on the right hand, where he has lost some skin. He also has an abrasion of the extensor tendon. We need to see how this develops but it could be possible that he needs a small skin graft.
"3. Various other bruises and grazes."
Team manager Daniele Romagnoli stated that there was no clear reason as to why Lorenzo lost control and added that - after riding injured for the past three rounds - he hopes Jorge will take the time to recover properly from his latest set back.
