Pata Honda's Jonathan Rea will undergo surgery this evening to pin the femur he broke in a controversial crash during today's opening World Superbike race at the Nurburgring.

Rea came off on oil that had been dropped on the circuit by Federico Sandi, reportedly after he had been in the pits with a poorly-sounding engine, and he hit the air fence hard while being tangled in the bike.

"I’ve felt better, but I’m hoping to get the leg pinned later tonight so hopefully I can be home in a few days and start the recovery as soon as possible. It’s unbelievable what was happening with the flags in the race because I saw an oil flag at turn six but then nothing at turn seven or after that," saud Rea.

"I went down at the fast left at turn eight and, unfortunately, I stayed conscious throughout so I can remember everything. I was feeling pretty good before then and, although I didn’t have the pace to pass the guys in front, it was clear I had the best package and, although it was late in the race, I still had good grip levels. Until I hit the oil."