Keith Farmer will be forced to sit out this weekend's Knockhill Bennetts British Superbike round at Knockhill after suffering two snapped legs in a big qualifying crash.

Tyco BMW's leading rider had been in contention for pole position for much of this afternoon's QP session, but was stretchered off with five minutes to go after he and his bike bounced big-style into the gravel at Butchers.

BSB chiefs released the following statement:

"Keith Farmer crashed exiting Turn 3 during the BSB QP session, becoming tangled with his machine. Following transfer to the medical centre he has been diagnosed with and treated for bilateral fractures of both lower legs.

"He has now been transferred to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for further assessment and treatment."