Hill, who concluded the 2007 season with some impressive rides for Yamaha Motor Germany, fell after just a handful of laps on the team's CBR600RR - and the cause of his accident is still something of a mystery.
"We're very sorry about Tommy's accident and hope that the injuries he received aren't too much of a setback," said team principal Salvatore Giorlandino. "The crash happened in the first laps and we still don't understand what caused it."
As well as his WSS appearances, Hill finished tenth in the 2007 BSB championship for Virgin Yamaha. The Englishman now faces a race against time to be fit for the 2008 WSS season opener, at Qatar on February 23, and at the very least faces a limited winter testing programme.
Meanwhile, Hill's team-mate Gianluca Nannelli and Althea's WSBK rider
Roberto Rolfo had a far less dramatic opening day.
"I am very happy because this first test has let me establish the professionalism of the new team and the abilities of the 2007 Honda CBR600RR," declared Nannelli. "I turned in times averaging 1:29.0 but the team are convinced that, if the weather stays good, I will be able to improve this time."
"I am indeed happy with this first contact with my new team," stated former Ten Kate Honda rider Rolfo, preparing for his third season in WSBK. "We have worked a lot, always building, making continuous improvements. My best time as a 1min 26.6secs but we will better this, without a doubt. The track is short but very technical so it's a good test for the work we are doing."
