British Grand Prix: Casey Stoner saddened by Crutchlow injury

Australian Casey Stoner said he was saddened to learn that British star Cal Crutchlow will miss his home race at Silverstone tomorrow through injury.

The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team rider broke his left collarbone in a high speed crash in the early stages of today’s qualifying session at the Northamptonshire circuit.

The injury will force the 25-year-old to miss tomorrow’s race and he is currently under observation in an Oxford hospital after suffering concussion. His left collarbone requires surgery but a decision will be taken tomorrow on when and where he will undergo the operation.

Repsol Honda rider Stoner, who will start tomorrow’s 20-lap race from pole position, said: “It was almost a fairytale for him the way it was going and to end like that is not really fair. He’s been riding really well all season and he’s impressed me with his attitude and the way he enjoys racing.

“This weekend he was definitely one of the faster guys and running at the front a lot easier than some of the others. I had no doubt he would have been on the front two rows.

“It’s definitely not the best season for injuries but for Cal at his home Grand Prix it couldn’t have gone much worse for him. Best wishes to him and hopefully he’s back at the next one.”