MotoDex Performance BMW’s Michael Howarth has dislocated his left shoulder and fractured his right femur after crashing, during the opening MCE British Superbike free practice session at Oulton Park.

The Bingley rider has not raced in the BSB championship since 2013, and made his long-awaited return this weekend. But it was short lived after he fell at Hill Top, in damp conditions. The session was then red-flagged and the former rugby league player was taken to the medical centre.

On further assessment from the medical staff at the circuit, Howarth was flown by air ambulance to Stoke Hospital this afternoon.

After the crash Howarth posted this on his Facebook site, "I'm not feeling sore but broke my shoulder, my right leg and my neck. I'm gutted all that work and I let everyone down in three laps sorry everyone."

More on this story when we get it