Easton: All of a sudden I was flying towards the barriers...

Stuart Easton has labelled himself as 'extremely lucky' despite suffering a suspected leg break in a frightening accident during the first British Superbike Championship race at Brands Hatch.

The Scot, who was on course to qualify for the Title Showdown having won a race and three further podiums so far this year, was running with the front group when he came down into Hawthorne and was flung at speed into the barriers.

A spectacular accident, one that was almost replicated by PBM Kawasaki team-mate Shane Byrne a few laps later, Easton was taken to hospital, where he was assessed for a leg injury. He has since been diagnosed with a suspected lower leg fracture and ligament damage to his knee.

A potentially big blow to Easton's hopes of making it into the top six Showdown, he nonetheless counts himself lucky with the outcome in the circumstances.

"I was feeling confident coming into this weekend although we had a few issues getting the bike how I wanted it. I was happy after qualifying although we had a technical problem during morning warm-up which meant we had to change engines.

"I was feeling good in the race then all of a sudden I was flying towards the barriers and although I've suffered an injury to my leg, all things considered I was extremely lucky. We'll see exactly what the damage is and I hope to be back and challenging again soon."

Easton remains fourth in the overall standings, 42 points clear of current seventh place man Michael Laverty.

The next race takes place at Thruxton on August 2nd, followed by Cadwell Park on 23rd August, but team manager Paul Bird has already confirmed Ian Hutchinson will be in his place for the former at least.