Byrne, Barros bruised but okay.

Shane Byrne and Alex Barros suffered heavy falls during Sunday's French Grand Prix at Le Mans, the Brit being stretchered away from the race track after his opening lap 'off' while Barros was sent to the Clinica Mobile after a high-speed fall at half race distance.

Both riders hurt their backs, but fortunately neither sustained serious injury; Barros being diagnosed with severe bruising after an examination by Dr Costa, while Byrne sustained similar tissue damage.

Afterwards, Shakey was at a loss to explain the accident, but Barros was able recall the scene of his downfall more clearly.

"I was pushing a bit because I was trying to catch up Max and Melandri, but it was hard work. I was giving everything and I lost the back end," explained Alex. "I couldn't control it and I got a big smack, but it was okay because it was a hard fall and could have been worse.

"It's a shame because I take no points away from here, but now the world championship is the last thing on my mind," added the Estoril winner, who was eighth when he fell. "I want to recover and think about the next race, and getting back to winning ways. I like Mugello, I've won there before, so my objective is the same again."

Barros will decide whether he is fit enough to take part in tomorrow's planned Le Mans test session in the morning. Team Roberts were also expected to test, although Byrne's injuries make that unlikely.