Jonathan Rea's participation in the opening World Superbikes race of the new season at Phillip Island this weekend is in doubt after a high speed crash in testing at the Australian circuit.
Rea had set the third quickest time on day two of an official WSBK test and was on his first lap of the afternoon session when he crashed at Phillip Island’s quick turn three, coming off his Castrol Honda CBR1000RR at around 210kph (130mph).
Rea dislocated the ring finger on his left hand but was later transferred to The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne to undergo x-rays and scans on his left wrist.
Despite the crash, the 24-year-old set the third fastest overall time of the test of 1m31.206s, with Carlos Checa and Sylvain Guintoli taking the top two positions.
'Basically I had to get off it quickly and unfortunately it was at 130mph' – Jonathan Rea
"I’m so frustrated because we were just about there on race pace and everything was feeling really good," the Northern Irishman said. "Early in the afternoon’s session, I was in turn three and winding it on when I suddenly felt the rear squirming and then I realised the bike was on fire.
"Basically I had to get off it quickly and unfortunately it was at 130mph, which is quick enough. My finger and wrist are sore – in fact I’m pretty sore all over – but I’m still waiting for the final diagnosis."
And the accident has put his participation in this weekend's 2011 opener in major doubt.
"At the moment it’s too early to know how I’ll be feeling at the weekend," he said. "But I certainly didn’t want to start this season the way I finished the last one.
"I know it’s one of those things that you don’t expect and can’t prepare for, but it’s nobody’s fault and we’ll just have to hope I can be back on it soon."
Jonathan Rea's profile at redbull.co.uk
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