Cal Crutchlow hurt in Silverstone qualifying crash

MotoGP rookie Cal Crutchlow has been taken from the track on a stretcher after a heavy fall in the opening minutes of qualifying for his home British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

The Englishman, who had been top-six in all three free practice sessions, slammed his left shoulder into the asphalt after being kicked from his M1 on entry to Turn 2.

The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider was clearly in pain as he came to a rest and has now been taken to the medical centre with a "suspected collarbone injury".

Team-mate Colin Edwards broke his collarbone last weekend in Catalunya, while Repsol Honda's Dani Pedrosa is absent with a similar collarbone injury.

Crutchlow won both WSBK races from pole at Silverstone last season. He had been hoping to fight for a front-row start this afternoon.