Pata Yamaha’s Sylvain Guintoli has been diagnosed with the fractured left ankle after a crash in Superpole at the Imola World Superbike round today.

The former world champion was taken to Imola hospital this afternoon following a whopping highside at Aqua Minerale where he was spat off his R1. Checks at the circuit medical centre were followed up by further examinations in hospital.

WSBK issued an update this afternoon confirming the fracture, plus a concussion. It read: “Checks in hospital confirmed ankle fracture, concussion and multiple contusions. Other medical assessments done at this time negative (no other injuries).”

It is not yet known for how long Guintoli will be out of action.

“Our first thoughts today have to immediately turn to Sylvain and the incredible high-side he had in Superpole this morning. Luckily his injuries, while still to be determined in fine-detail, are not serious and after such a frightening accident we can all be thankful for that,” said team boss Paul Denning.

“As we currently speak he is still in Imola hospital receiving good care and undergoing checks, we hope that he will be released tomorrow and we can announce some detailed news regarding his recovery and when he will be able to re-join the team.”