Rizla Suzuki’s Álvaro Bautista suffered a broken left femur from a fast crash in the closing stages of yesterday’s third practice session in Qatar, which immediately ended his participation in this weekend’s first race.

Bautista landed heavily after high-siding at turn 15 and immediately looked in some serious discomfort. He was instantly taken to the circuit’s superb medical facilities and examined by members of the Clinica Mobile. After a thorough examination, and some x-rays, he was diagnosed with a break to his left femur which will need to be pinned.

Bautista was immediately taken to the Hamad Medical Corporation in Doha for further tests, before a decision will be taken whether to operate in Qatar or for him to return to Spain.