Biaggi fractures finger in Smrz smash.

But then, just three laps from the finish, fellow 1098R rider Jakub Smrz made an ill-fated attempt to pass the Sterilgarda rider into the second chicane.

The Czech smashed into the side of Biaggi, sending the former MotoGP star to the ground - and left him nursing the left wrist he broke earlier this year at Phillip Island.

Fortunately, the damage to Biaggi's left hand was limited to a fractured left little finger, plus an injury to his ring finger.

"In race two I was suffering from a lack of grip from the rear and I lost many seconds out of the corners," said Max. "Then Smrz struck my bike three laps from the end, breaking my left little finger and causing an injury to my ring finger."

However, writing on his official website, Biaggi revealed that the injuries have put his participation in the inaugural Salt Lake City event on June 1 in doubt.

"Unfortunately this accident is the last thing I wanted... It means that I risk [not being able] to dispute the next race and therefore not to be able to fight for important objects that is a fundamental thing to me," he said.

"I m sorry for all fans that have waited me out from the mobile clinic [at Monza] I have not been able to greet them, but above I'm not successful to give them a win. I m convinced that the unlucky period will end," concluded the triple 2007 WSBK race winner.

Biaggi sits just eighth in the World Superbike standings, 129 points - over five race wins - behind Troy Bayliss.